Paul McGrane knows Armagh could be in for a difficult 2013 season.

While accepting that Paul Grimley is the best man to get the Orchard County up and running again, the 2002 All-Ireland winning midfielder points out that Armagh have a lot of difficulties to content with:

"When you think about it, this year Armagh were without what anyone would regard as the best possible full-forward line of Jamie Clarke, Ronan Clarke and Steven McDonnell.

"Now once again we have a situation going into 2013 where Jamie may be unavailable because of global travelling, Ronan's career is apparently in jeopardy because of recurring injury and Stevie of course is retired.

"We also don't know if Andy Mallon will be available while Billy Joe Padden has stepped down from the squad.

"No team wants to be drawn in the preliminary round and Armagh will not relish going to Kingspan Breffni Park.

"Donegal were of course involved in the preliminary round in each of the last two seasons but they showed themselves to be a truly exceptional team under an inspirational manager.

"Tradition has it that teams involved in the preliminary round invariably find the going tough but if Armagh could manage to hurdle Cavan in what is a dangerous mission for them then anything could happen.

"Cavan have won the last two Ulster U21 championship titles, they have a lot of young players coming through at senior level and even at schools level the county has got a shot in the arm by the manner in which St Patrick's College won the Rannafast Cup last week.

"The question is whether the team will have the overall experience and physical power for what lies ahead but I would have great faith in Paul and I know he will do everything possible to help make Armagh strong again." Tweet

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