Selector Paddy McKeever was delighted with the character shown by Armagh in their dramatic All-Ireland SFC qualifier victory over Westmeath on Saturday night.

The Orchard finished the stronger - scoring 1-2 in injury-time - despite having substitute Gregory McCabe sent off in the 54th minute to snatch an unlikely victory against a wasteful home side and set up a repeat of their Allianz League Division 3 promotion 'decider' against Tipperary next weekend.

"These boys set out on a journey after Down," said 2002 All-Ireland winner McKeever, who was tasked with speaking to the media.

"They were given a lot of stick which was probably deserved, given their performance against Down. But they picked themselves up off the floor.

"Nine points probably flattered us against Fermanagh. ­Tonight was more about the spirit in the team in the last 10 or 15 minutes when they could have packed up and went home because everything seemed to be going against them - down to 14 men, personnel missing and probably exhausted after chasing around extra men.

"I've nothing but respect for the effort that was put in, how smart the effort was at times was questionable. We've only a week to turn things around, keep things fresh and see who we get."

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