Offaly footballers have received a much-needed boost with the return of Alan McNamee and Brian Connor to county training.

Their return will greatly increase the Faithful's midfield options as they bid to avoid relegation to Division 4 of the Allianz Football League after morale-sapping defeats to Longford and Roscommon in their opening two games. Only recently, recently-retired star Ciaran McManus had called for Connor's return to the panel as a matter of urgency. The 21-year-old, who is a son of 1982 All-Ireland winning captain Richie, had been left out of the squad by new manager Gerry Cooney due to commitment issues.

Former captain McNamee, who was thought to have retired from inter-county football, has also accepted an invitation to return. The returning duo attended training last Thursday night where they were joined by McNamee's younger brother, Niall, who revealed recently that he is battling a gambling addiction.

Offaly warmed up for their next Allianz Football League against Antrim on March 3 when they defeated Wicklow by 0-18 to 0-12 in a challenge match on Sunday. Tweet

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