McDonnell optimistic over McConville return
July 08, 2008
Armagh manager Peter McDonnell has admitted that he is 'very optimistic' over his star forward Oisin McConville being fit for next Sunday week's Ulster SFC final with Fermanagh.
The Crossmaglen ace has struggled to overcome a back problem throughout the Orchard County's Championship campaign thus far, but the Armagh boss is hopeful that McConville's recent form in training could see him make a return against the Erne men on July 20.
"Oisin had an excellent session on Sunday morning. If he can put two or three of those back-to-back then I would be very optimistic," stated McDonnell.
The Mullaghbawn clubman has also revealed the reasons why he believes Armagh have not gone under in their provincial championship campaign with the favourites' tag to their name as so many teams have done in this year's All-Ireland Championship.
"Poor performances have been synonymous with the favourites' tag across the country. We certainly don't want to be producing a favourites' performance against Fermanagh," said the Armagh boss.
"Our fellas have enough to keep them concentrated by first working to get onto the panel of 30.
"Secondly, they have to try and work to get onto the team. If that doesn't provide them with the sufficient focus then the whole structure that we have will prove to be wrong," said McDonnell.
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