Kernan mulls over starting 15

Armagh manager Joe Kernan will not know which 15 he can start in Sunday's Dr McKenna Cup tie against Down until the day itself as club and college commitments and holidays take their toll on the Orchard squad.

The Ulster champs are without their Crossmaglen Rangers contingent, who are preparing for an All-Ireland semi-final clash with Portlaoise in February.

Meanwhile, six of the panel are playing in the competition with their colleges.

Therefore, Ronan Clarke (St Mary's), Philly Loughran (Jordanstown), Malachy Mackin (Jordanstown), Ciaran O'Brien (Jordanstown), Brian Mallon (Queen's) and Gareth Smyth (Queen's) are ruled out.

Paddy McKeever and talismanic skipper Kieran McGeeney are both unavailable due to holiday commitments.