Down boss Jim McCorry is adopting a wait-and-see approach in the hope that Martin Clarke can be persuaded to return to the Down jersey.

The former Aussie Rules player, who was a pundit for BBC's coverage of last Saturday night's McKenna Cup final between Tyrone and Cavan, has been recovering from illness recently and McCorry told The Belfast Telegraph: "We have spoken with Martin and while we would be keen to have him back we don't want to rush things.

"We have had a 38-person squad up until recently. We have reviewed the position now that the McKenna Cup is complete and the focus switches very much onto our league opener against Kildare on Sunday."

Newcomers such as Gerard Collins, Packie Downey, Arthur McConville, Kieran Gordon and Chris McKay have impressed McCorry.

"These boys have come in and have taken their chance. They give us options and obviously we want to be as strong as possible for the league.

"It is going to be very competitive so we know what to expect. Everyone is aware that there is very little separating promotion and relegation and that's why it's important that we get into our stride as early as possible."

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