Charlie Harrison has no intention of quitting inter-county football after suffering a season-ending cruciate ligament injury.

The 33-year-old former All Star defender has vowed to return in 2016, despite the huge demands of being a modern day inter-county footballer and a recent move to Dublin where he has been appointed coordinator of the GAA's national Cul Camps.

"Players are losing their lives to this," he tells the Sunday Independent.

"Maybe we are slaves to the game, there is definitely an element of truth in what Joe Brolly says. But I really want to sign up for this. I really enjoy playing county football and that is what is needed to play at top level. And it's why I'll burst my ass and sign up for it again next year. To get that second Connacht title. That's what the sacrifices are made for.

"In the past I arranged my career around Gaelic football but that all changes now. I will drive this job on to new heights and we'll raise standards. That doesn't mean I'll be any less obsessed about football. That won't change because I'm living in Dublin. There are 12 from the Sligo team here, so we'll make it work. And Niall Carew is a great manager. We'll achieve things under him."

Another incentive for Harrison to return is to be part of a team that is committed to playing attacking football.

"Luckily, I've never been asked to sit back behind a line and just watch the other team with the ball. I always want to express myself; that's the life and soul of the GAA. That's why I'll work to get back and enjoy another big day or days with the team. I don't want to end my career getting 30 minutes against Louth with a couple of hundred people watching," he added.

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