Armagh will be without Jamie Clarke for 2016 championship

Armagh football manager Kieran McGeeney has confirmed that the county will be without the services of forward Jamie Clarke for this year’s championship.

The player has informed management of his intention to travel to the US once he completes his club duties with Crossmaglen Rangers.

Crossmaglen are through to the semi-final stages of the AIB All-Ireland Club Championship and are scheduled to play Castlebar Mitchels in February.

"I was chatting to Jamie and he has indicated he is gone for the year," McGeeney told the BBC.

Clarke scored 2-5 for the Orchard County in last year’s championship and travelled to the States as soon as they exited the competition in July.

Armagh started 2016 with a defeat to Cavan in the McKenna Cup at the weekend.