Steven McDonnell will return to the Armagh panel after his fourth child is born in March.

The Orchard County's attacking powerhouse is taking a break at the start of the year, having played through into November this year with the International Rules team, but manager Paddy O'Rourke says in the Star that he will welcome him back with open arms before the end of the national league:

"Just chatting to Stevie we all felt that a bit of a break would do him the power of good. Even this season has been long with the fact he went to Australia.

"He is taking a break and he is expecting a child to be born in March and we are hoping after that he will be looking to kick ball again.

"You can't guarantee if some fella takes a bit of time away, but I'd have no doubt that you will see him again.

"He'll keep himself in good shape because that's the way he is. Last year he picked up a few injuries throughout the summer that he could have done without.

"He's the sort of fella that's never injured but he had a few injuries that was stopping him training and it was the wrong end of the year for that happening and it probably showed a wee bit in his performance.

"We would feel that it's better if we kept him fresh for the right time of year." Tweet

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