Marty Clarke in line to make Down playing return

Clarke - who last played for Down 13 years ago, during the 2011 SFC campaign - is said to be training alongside the Down goalkeepers

RETURN: Down selector Marty Clarke during the Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship semi-final between Armagh and Down. Pic: Ramsey Cardy, Sportsfile

Former All-Star Down forward and current senior selector Marty Clarke has been touted to make a return to the county's playing ranks soon. 

Clarke - who last played for Down 13 years ago, during the 2011 SFC campaign - is said to be training alongside Down goalkeepers, current first-choice John O'Hare and Kevin Anderson, with the idea that the 36-year-old could fill a playmaking 'keeper role with the county as the year goes on. 

The Irish News have reported that the absence of Charlie Smyth (pursuing NFL switch) and 2023 number-one Niall Kane has led Down boss Conor Laverty and coach Ciaran Meenagh to explore the option of a ball-playing goalkeeper, which Clarke would certainly fit the criteria for.

The An Riocht club man has spent the majority of his playing career in Australia with AFL outfit Collingwood, but made 34 appearances for the Mourne men. He won his sole All-Star in 2010 as Down reached the All-Ireland final, only to be defeated by Conor Counihan's Cork outfit. 

Having left Collingwood in 2014, Clarke had initially retired in 2017 - due to Addison's disease - but having been involved with his club last term, it looks as though a county return could be on the cards.