Armagh star Clarke needs further op

ARMAGH will have to plan without Ronan Clarke (above) for the championship campaign.

The former All-Star decided to have surgery on his long-standing Achilles problem and will go under the knife after breaking down during his latest comeback attempt last week.

“Unfortunately, Ronan has had another setback and won’t play championship football this year,” Armagh manager Paddy O’Rourke.

“He has tried extremely hard to get himself back fit, but he broke down 10 days ago.”

O’Rourke is confident Clarke will return to the full fitness.

“I have seen how he has applied himself to try and get back. I think if the operation is successful, he will definitely get back playing football,” he added.