Kernan 'unlikely' to feature for Armagh

Influential defender Aaron Kernan is expected to play no part in Armagh's All-Ireland SFC first round qualifier against Roscommon on Sunday.

Kernan sustained a hamstring injury during the recent Ulster quarter-final defeat to Tyrone, and had to be replaced at half-time by Gavin McParland.

For the trip to Dr. Hyde Park this weekend, Armagh boss Paddy O'Rourke is likely to start Paul Duffy in Kernan's place in the half-back line.

Commenting on Kernan's injury, assistant manager Paul Grimley told the Irish News: "He hasn't trained for three weeks. At this stage you would have to say that he's unlikely to start and that he is unlikely to make the bench."

The Orchard men are set to welcome back Charlie Vernon and Finian Moriarty from injury for the clash with the Connacht side, although Andy Mallon might be an absentee.

"Andy is carrying a knock and he hasn't been training either," added Grimley.

"Charlie has taken part in a few in-house games. He's in much better shape now than he was for the Tyrone game."