Armagh: McDonnell boost for Kernan

Armagh manager Joe Kernan has received a timely boost with the news that Steven McDonnell should return from injury in time for the National Football League.

The 2003 Player of the Year aggravated an old foot injury during Ireland's first International Rules test against Australia in October.

The Orchard squad has been depleted in recent weeks, with the Crossmaglen contingent ruled out until their All-Ireland semi-final next month, more of the squad playing with their colleges in the Dr McKenna Cup and the absence of Kieran McGeeney and Paddy McKeever, who are on holidays.

Kernan is also optimistic that veteran attacker Diarmuid Marsden will agree to give one more year to the county side.