Kieran McGeeney says "conspiracy theorists" were behind the new rule forcing managers to name their 26-man squad by Thursday mornings.

The rule was brought in to prevent managers from naming dummy teams but resulted in Armagh having just 24 players available for last weekend's clash with Wicklow after both Ciaran McKeever and Aaron Findon were injured in the days preceding the match.

"It's one of the problems I have with these new rules," says the Orchard County boss. "I mean, people think there is a conspiracy theory with us managers, but we were down two players for the Donegal game and we're down two again, with both Aaron and Ciaran.

"We had to name on Wednesday night, but then we went through Thursday and they weren't fit and then get to Saturday morning and they still weren't fit.

"But, sure, if it settles the heads of the conspiracy theorists up in Croke Park, then it's a must, because, we [managers] sit at home wondering what ways can we really mess their heads on a Wednesday."

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