Mark Poland has recommitted himself to the Down football cause for another year.

The long-serving forward, who starred in Down's run to the 2010 All-Ireland final, has vowed to return to the fold in the New Year following a recent meeting with manager Eamonn Burns. His decision is a boost for the Mournemen who are coming off the back of a miserable 2016 in which they failed to win a competitive game.

"I'm planning to go back after Christmas," the Longstone forward told the Irish News.

"I just needed a break away from football to be honest. I just wanted a break - a mental break more than anything - from all the training before Christmas so I could actually enjoy Christmas.

"I've been going for the guts of 10 years now and I've never, ever asked for any sort of break other than when I was getting married. We had a wee boy there a couple of months ago as well. I've been on the go for a while now and I have to think of others too.

"I spoke to Eamonn and he was willing to leave it until after Christmas so the plan is to go back in January. I'm doing my own training and I just felt I needed to recharge the batteries. I'll go back and it'll be up to Eamonn whether I feature in the McKenna Cup or league."

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