Niall Smith had withdrawn himself from the Offaly senior football panel and is said to be unlikely to return to the Faithful set-up this year.

Offaly boss Tom Cribben confirmed to the Midland Tribune newspaper this week that the young midfield prospect, who came on as a substitute during last Sunday week's defeat to Wexford, told him of his decision and that it was "mutual" between the player and management.

Smith, who plays with the Gracefield club, has been one of the few shining lights to emerge from the minor ranks in recent years in Offaly football and while he had struggled to nail down a starting place in Cribben's team at the start of this season, his departure will been seen as a big loss by Offaly supporters. Tweet

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