McConville in reserve for Armagh

Experienced attacker Oisín McConville has been listed amongst the substitutes for Armagh's Ulster SFC semi-final encounter with Down on Sunday (Clones, throw-in 4pm).

Experienced attacker Oisín McConville has been listed amongst the substitutes for Armagh's Ulster SFC semi-final encounter with Down on Sunday in Clones (throw-in 4pm).

Despite a niggling back injury, McConville has declared himself fit for the game but manager Peter McDonnell will not risk the Crossmaglen ace from the start.

McDonnell has named an unchanged team for Sunday's clash, obviously content with how his players performed in the 0-17 to 0-13 win over Cavan last time out.

Aaron Kernan, who was listed in the half-forward line for the Cavan game, will line out in his regular wing-back position, while Charlie Vernon goes in the opposite direction.

Admitting that Down have had the better preparation for the semi-final thanks to their two big battles with 2007 champions Tyrone, McDonnell said: "Down had to work very hard the first day (against Tyrone) to retrieve the situation and were then unlucky not to get the win.

"But the rematch was very competitive and, in marked contrast to our own game (against Cavan), Down have certainly been exposed to the fire and brimstone of the Ulster championship this summer.

"The most important thing for any team is to find out whether individuals, under real pressure, can deal with the demands and the soul searching and questions that none of their training really asks them.

"The truth is that Down have been there already and had those questions answered but we haven't.

"And if there's one thing that the results of recent weeks have shown it's that all the early season hype and scrutiny - about players and managers and their championship credentials - is a complete waste of time."

Armagh, who last lifted the Anglo-Celt Cup in 2006, are attempting to reach the Ulster final for the seventh time in 10 seasons.

ARMAGH (SFC v Down) - P Hearty; A Mallon, F Bellew, F Moriarty; A Kernan, A O'Rourke, C McKeever; P McGrane, K Toner; C Vernon, P McKeever, M O'Rourke; S McDonnell, R Clarke, S Kernan.