Wicklow manager John Evans admits that he is keen to get James Stafford back into the squad.

There has been speculation in recent weeks that the Rathnew clubman would return to the squad for the 2018 campaign, even though he retired from inter-county football two years ago.

The 35-year-old is taking a well earned break following his club exploits that saw the Wicklow champions reach the Leinster club SFC semi-final where they were beaten by eventual winners Moorefield.

Evans has been busy in recent weeks assembling a squad for the O'Byrne Cup, while the door has been left open for Stafford to rejoin the panel.

"James hasn't been training yet, but he's one man that we are interested in. He's given an indication that he's going to come in but we gave the Rathnew lads a bit of extended time because they'd a long campaign in the championship and a successful run in Leinster that went on a bit longer that they probably imagined," said Evans.

"They also had the semi-final of a league so their season went on and on and on so we said we'd give them a break and they'd come in around Christmas time.

"I don't want to put too much pressure on him. He's certainly very, very interested. He's having time-out, he needs a rest and I don't want to make a decision for him but he's certainly interested."

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