Paddy O'Rourke will be using the forthcoming Dr McKenna Cup campaign to run the rule over his new Armagh charges. The former Down centre back and manager, whose appointment as Armagh boss has been met with a mixed reaction, will take charge of the Orchard County for the first time on January 10 when they begin their Barrett Sports Lighting McKenna Cup campaign against Fermanagh in Crossmaglen. "The competition provides a platform for managers to review their resources and we would be hoping that players who maybe have not been regulars in the side of late will maximise their opportunity to make an impact," he said. It may be that some or all of his injured players (last season's captain Kieran McKeever is definitely out as he is facing a four-month layoff after injuring his ankle in the recent Inter-provincial football final) will not take any part in the opening competition, but O'Rourke much prefers that they should be afforded maximum time in which to recover from their various injuries. "We don't want to put players at risk. The McKenna Cup has become more competitive in recent years and the grounds are normally heavy in January. "A number of players will get the chance to show what they can do and the fact that our first two matches against Fermanagh and UUJ are at home might encourage fans to come out and have an early look at the team." Whatever about in Armagh, the 1991 All-Ireland winning captain says his new appointment has been well received in his native Down. "The reaction has been very good. It has been what I thought it would have been. "I think any genuine GAA person will understand that someone like me has a love for the game and likes working at the highest level and would be attracted to another county. The fact that it is Armagh and that there is a lot of rivalry between Down and Armagh, genuine GAA people understand that and have wished me well." Tweet

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