‘His ability isn't in doubt' – Armagh GAA great hails Rian O'Neill return as ‘unbelievable boost' to All-Ireland defence
AARON KERNAN believes Rian O'Neill can give Armagh an 'unbelievable boost' as they prepare to put their All-Ireland SFC title on the line.
Orchard boss Kieran McGeeney said in March that
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Rian O'Neill has returned to the Armagh panel
Credit: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
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Aaron Kernan backed him to be the difference in their All-Ireland defence
Credit: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
But now a first appearance since last July's Sam Maguire showpiece looks to be imminent for the All-Star forward, who rejoined the Armagh panel ahead of the
The availability of such a key player should aid the Orchard's All-Ireland defence, which begins at home to Derry this weekend.
Crossmaglen Rangers club-mate Kernan said: 'The best place for him is being involved in the playing group and with his friends.
'His brother is involved as well and he seems like he's in a good place himself.
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'I think it's just allowing him to find his feet, have a bit of patience and give it a bit of time. I don't see there being any issues for the remainder of the season with him.
'Once he's happy and in a good place, Kieran and the boys will be delighted to have him around.'
O'Neill is tailor-made to avail of some of the game's new rules.
His long-range kicking ability could be a potent weapon in helping Armagh to collect the bonus points on offer beyond the 40-metre arc.
Most read in GAA Football
Speaking in his role as a BoyleSports ambassador, former Armagh ace Kernan said: 'His potential and his ability aren't in doubt.
'The fact he's back in that squad and if he's showing a semblance of what we all know he's capable of, it's an unbelievable boost.
Limerick GAA fans troll RTE pundit Donal Og Cusack after win over Cork
'But I don't think management, Rian or anyone would be putting any pressure on what's going to happen in the weeks to come.
'I think he'll find his feet, form and build up his game-time organically.
'And with the new rules, it'll help him to settle in to whatever game-time he does start to get.
'With the two-point arc, there is more space for his foot-passing ability where he likes to get his head up.
'Or if he ends up playing in that front three, he has that ball-winning ability where he wouldn't have the same workload he would have playing off No 11 or eight.'
HANGOVER CURE
Having rebounded from a penalty-shootout defeat in last year's provincial decider to be crowned All-Ireland champions, Kernan is confident that Armagh will not be afflicted by any hangover from their latest dose of Anglo-Celt Cup agony. But he admits
He said: 'You're sitting watching the game, and as exciting as it was, I was starting to wonder if this is actually a good thing from an Armagh point of view.
'To be fair, Armagh have shown in the past few years that they can park the provincial final disappointment.
'Granted, it's a different draw this time around.
'They've had Westmeath at home in the first game in the two years previous to this All-Ireland series.
'Obviously they have Derry but it's about what Derry is going to turn up.
'Rumour has it that they've been going quite well in recent weeks since the Donegal game in terms of what's happening in challenge games and in terms of personnel getting back fully fit.
'That will certainly make it more difficult for Armagh.'
l AARON KERNAN is an ambassador for BoyleSports, who are paying out early if your team goes seven points ahead – even if they draw or lose.
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