‘We know that we have a target on our back’ says Armagh boss Kieran McGeeney ahead of Meath challenge

The Armagh squad pictured before their game against Louth.

Allianz Football League Division 2. Saturday February 3 (6pm). At The BOX-IT Athletic Grounds: Armagh v Meath

Armagh go in search of their second win from as many league games when they host Meath on Saturday night, but if last week is anything to go by, Kieran McGeeney’s men will have to fight for every point they earn in Division Two.

The Armagh manager warned going into the opening game against Louth that his side weren’t going to have it easy and that certainly proved to be the case, as the Wee County twice led by four-point margins, but Armagh reeled them in to win by one in the end.

Stefan Campbell and Conor Turbitt were the stand-out performers for the victors, who flexed their strength in depth with the win. The hosts had a notable list of absentees, who McGeeney will be hoping return sooner rather than later.

Armagh's Stefan Campbell was a stand-out performer for Armagh in their win over Louth last week. Pics: John Merry

Ethan Rafferty, James Morgan, Aaron McKay, Rian O’Neill and Andrew Murnin missed out through injury, Ross McQuillan and Aidan Nugent took some time off after St Patrick’s Cullyhanna’s All-Ireland win, whilst the likes of Tiernan Kelly, Cian McConville, Niall Grimley and Connaire Mackin were unused substitutes.

“It is putting a big push on,” said McGeeney regarding the depth of his squad.

“But you are only as good the competition for places when you are winning. When you lose and people haven’t got those positions, they feel that they should be in.”

McGeeney has named an unchanged starting 15, and unchanged 26-man squad for tomorrow’s clash, and having lined out as selected last week, it will be interesting to see if there are any late changes, with Jarly Og Burns and Oisin O’Neill having impressed off of the bench.

"We know we have a target on our back but that is a good thing," says Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney ahead of their clash against Meath.

Reigning Tailteann Cup champions Meath likely will be somewhat disappointed by their start to the league, as they were held to a draw at home to underdogs Fermanagh in round one. Consequently, Armagh will be prepared for a response – with McGeeney stating that the pre-competition favourites for promotion have a target on their backs.

“We have a tough couple of weeks, we have Meath at next and they will be a big strong physical team," said McGeeney.

“They don’t give the ball away and they got up the steps in Croke Park last year and we know we have a target on our back but that is a good thing.

“I watched Meath in the O’Byrne Cup and they have a few new players that they didn’t have last year and they have pace and power.”

Ahead of this weekend’s meeting, McGeeney recalled his own playing days against the Royal County, stating that his team are in for a ‘tough game’ but with the help of their fervent support, they hope to get over the line at home once again.

“The ball would have been thrown in and it would have been ten minutes before anyone started playing football, things have changed,” he laughed.

“We will get a tough game against Meath, there is just no if, ands and buts about it. It is at home and it will be great to have big crowd again, the Armagh supporters come out and get you over the line, which is delightful for us.

“Armagh supporters are passionate and when you are bad you get it but when you are winning, they are pushing you on, so it is good.”

TEAM NEWS:

Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Paddy Burns, Ciaran Higgins, Peter McGrane; Barry McCambridge, Greg McCabe, Aidan Forker; Ben Crealey, Ciaran Mackin; Conor O’Neill, Rory Grugan, Joe McElroy; Stefan Campbell, Conor Turbitt, Oisín Conaty.

Substitutes: Shea Magill, Connaire Mackin, Jemar Hall, Shane McPartlan, Oisin O’Neill, Tiernan Kelly, Cian McConville, Jarly Og Burns, Niall Grimley, Darragh McMullan, Jason Duffy.