Down secretary Sean Og McAteer believes James McCartan's decision to rotate the captaincy during the Allianz League will stand the Mourne County in good stead in the championship.

With Benny Coulter set to miss Down's Ulster SFC opener against Fermanagh later this month and the experienced trio of Dan Gordon, Danny Hughes and Declan Rooney all battling to be fit, McAteer feels the policy will reap dividends.

He told the Belfast Telegraph: "We have a panel of players and each one of them would be worth his place in the starting side so whichever 15 start against Fermanagh and whichever players come in as substitutes will certainly be up to the task.

"The fact that James rotated the captaincy means that a lot of players have had the opportunity to take on that added bit of responsibility. This is a very positive element as I see it."

Commenting on Down's injured stars, McAteer added: "These players have given great service to Down and hopefully will continue to do so but there is now a chance for others to claim ownership of the side and set an example. This will be very important in the context of the championship." Tweet

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