Former Armagh defender Justin McNulty is expected to be ratified as Laois' new senior football manager tonight.

The Laois county board executive is expected to rubberstamp his appointment when they meet in Portlaoise and then his name will be put before a full county board meeting for ratification.

The news will come as a huge disappointment to local man Pat Roe, who was hoping it would be a case of third time lucky, having also been overlooked for the job in 2006 and 2008. Mick O'Dwyer and former All-Ireland winning minor boss Ollie Phelan had also been nominated for the post, but having been knocked back by O'Dwyer, Darragh O Se and Paraic Joyce, the selection committee have decided to plump for 2002 All-Ireland winning full back McNulty.

The 35-year-old is based in Dublin where he works as Project Director and Performance Coach with Motiv8 - the sports consultancy set up by his younger brother Enda. He was part of Paddy O'Rourke's backroom team in Armagh this year and his managerial experience includes a Cavan SFC title with Mullahoran in 2006 and a Dublin SFC final appearance with St. Brigid's in 2007.

As well as winning an All-Ireland medal in 2002, McNulty won five Ulster SFC titles, one National League and an Ulster club title with Mullaghbawn in 1995.

Laois officials are now hopeful that McNulty can replicate the success fellow-Mullaghbawn man Kieran McGeeney has achieved in neighbouring Kildare. Tweet

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