Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney has dismissed stories suggesting early morning training sessions are part and parcel of the Orchard County's preparations for the season ahead.

Speaking at the launch of the Allianz Leagues in Croke Park today, 'Geezer' took the opportunity to set the record straight: "I must be missing them because I definitely haven't seen any of them yet.

"I don't want to spoil a good story with the truth so I'll say we're going for 5.30am. I think it sounds better than 6.30am!"

As regards the serious stuff of getting Armagh out of Division 3 in the coming months, the 2002 All-Ireland winning captain said: "It's just where we are, it's probably a good context to start the year in terms of the huge expectations that are in Armagh.

"We had a decent year last year with Paul (Grimley). This year there are expectations that they can push on from that but we have tough battles in Division 3.

"Although it's a cliche, we're only taking one game at a time, we've Tipperary coming up and it's going to be a tough, physical battle. I suppose that will give us a good idea where we are."

He continued: "You can only play what's in front of you. You get the opinions out there that most people don't care about the league but players by their nature, and managers, are competitive.

"Preparations might be at a different stage but I have yet to meet a player or a manager who doesn't want to win a league game at that particular moment in time.

"When we step out on Sunday to play Tipperary, that's what we'll be concentrating on. We won't be looking at May, June or July. All players are the same."

Tweet

Most Read Stories