VERNON BACK FOR BIG GAME?
ARMAGH Harps player Charlie Vernon looks set to return to the Armagh panel following a period of two months on the bench.
The midfielder broke his jaw in a challenge game against Dublin in the first week of May.
But his superb showing against Meath in a recent challenge game, when he scored 1-1 from midfield, could force Peter McDonnell to consider him in for this Saturday's all-or-nothing clash against Monaghan, starting at 7pm in Clones.
The curtain raiser sees Armagh minors, who also face Monaghan, lining out for a 5.15pm throw in.
Charlie Vernon's return could leave Armagh boss McDonnell facing selection problems.
In the recent challenge game against Meath, regular full-back Brendan Donaghy wasn't available and Kieran Toner played in the number three shirt with Vernon partnering Maghery's James Lavery at midfield. If the Armagh boss is to play Donaghy at full back, Vernon, Toner and Lavery could all be given roles, a move which could again see no starting place for Lurgan's Ryan Henderson.
The Clann Eireann lad played the entire second half against Meath, hitting four points from play, but he could privately be getting frustrated considering that in Armagh's last outing against Tyrone, converted defender Paul Duffy was used in a half forward role.
Henderson told the Mail: "I am determined to see things through. When players are putting the effort in at training etc, of course they would like to get some match time. But you just have to get on with it and hope when the chance comes you can take it.”
Despite Armagh's determined effort against Tyrone in the provincial opener, many fans believe that the side still require a more attacking mindset, one which would create roles for Henderson, and U-21 star Stefan Forker whose club side Maghery are unbeaten all season.
Six scoring forwards would certainly be a risk worth taking, considering that the county's half forward section is the side's weakest link. Supporters would also like to see Tir na nOg's Brian Mallon pushed up alongside McDonnell and Clarke.
Traditionally games between Armagh and their opponents, Monaghan, have been tight encounters. Despite losing their top forward Tommy Freeman, Armagh were beaten by the Farney in the NFL and this weekend will see a tense affair unfold.
Meanwhile Armagh minors, who defeated All-Ireland champions Tyrone in their opening game, will be hoping to defeat Monaghan in the first game.
Young St Paul's man Andy Murnin was impressive against Tyrone. Sarsfields player Colin Stevenson is believed to be injured but his club-mates Thomas McAlinden and Paul McGeown are both available.
Clann Eireann's Christopher McCafferty, who has had an impressive season, and St. Peter's lad Niall McConville will also be in the squad.
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Weather for Lurgan
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
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