Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney has defended his choice of goalkeeper for yesterday's Ulster SFC quarter-final defeat to Cavan.

Defender Paul Courtney made his championship debut between the posts after first choice 'keeper Patrick Morrison was ruled out through injury.

Courtney's outfield instincts were clear for all to see as he made a number of upfield sallies and even crossed the opposition's '45' at one stage, much to the amusement of the crowd.

McGeeney explained in the Irish Daily Star: "Paddy was injured for four weeks. Paul has defence and he played goals in the past and his kick-outs were a big part of the game and they were fairly spot on.

"I think he did very well. His kick-outs were excellent for us. He got a hand to that first shot (for Dara McVeety's goal) and he was a big help to us with our kick-outs, especially with Paddy missing."

McGeeney was left to rue a number of missed chances, including Stefan Campbell's 57th minute penalty which was saved by Cavan goalkeeper Raymond Galligan.

"For most of the game we were competitive," he said.

"It's been our Achilles heel for a while - scoring. You have to convert your chances. Fourteen scores out of 29 shots... We need another four or five points that would make a huge difference and that's what we've to push towards. We can't be missing easy scores.

"I don't know how our 14-yard free-kick was blocked in the first half, it was difficult to see. Wee things like that. [Missing] four or five points make a really big difference. We just have to get better at it."

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