Speculation over Australian return for Clarke

There is mounting speculation that Down All-Star Martin Clarke will rejoin Australian Rules club Collingwood later this year.

Clarke had a successful spell with the Magpies between 2007 and 2009, playing 46 senior games for them and scoring 16 goals.

The 23-year-old announced his decision to resume playing inter-county Gaelic football in September 2009, and was a vital cog in the Down team during their run through to the All-Ireland SFC final last year.

He scored 0-05 in Down's Ulster SFC quarter-final loss to Armagh last Saturday and will reportedly see out the Championship campaign before linking up with Collingwood again.

It is believed that Clarke will fly to Melbourne this week to undergo a medical and agree a new deal with the AFL side, and then return Down Under in November.

Asked about Clarke's future with Down, the county's supremo James McCartan said: "You'd need to ask Martin that. I'm only his football manager.

"But, if he is going to Australia, I absolutely have no problem with it. Martin is entitled to do exactly what he wants with his future and he has been more than honourable in all his dealings with Down."

Clarke made quite an impact during his time with Collingwood and as an attacking half-back, showed his impressive footballing ability when adapting quickly to the oval ball.