Tomas McCann has revealed that he was ready to quit the inter-county scene before Mike McGurn was appointed to the Antrim football management team.

The capture of the Fermanagh native as physical trainer was just the tonic the 27-year-old needed after nine seasons with little reward for his efforts.

McGurn, who is based in Queen's University, has worked as a strength and conditioning coach with the Irish rugby and International Rules teams, as well as Premier League clubs Everton and Hull. He has also trained the Osprey's and St. Helen's rugby union and league teams, and was involved with the Armagh footballers a couple of years ago.

"To be honest, I actually thought about not going back," McCann admitted in the Irish News.

"By the time it comes back round again, you get your appetite back. And with somebody like Mike McGurn coming in, you know rightly he's going to get the best out of you, and when you hear him chatting about recovery, it's nearly like a relief when you hear it. It's refreshing."

The Cargin clubman also welcomes the decision by new manager Frank Fitzsimons to set up separate training groups in Randalstown - which is close to his home in Portglenone - and Belfast.

"Last year we had to go up the road (to Belfast) three nights a week and back down again. And I was working (as an electrician) during the day and I was doing later nights in my gym as well.

"All in, you're looking at four-and-a-half hours for a training session. I've never played under Frank as a manager, but he's pulled in Mike McGurn which is a good move."

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