Post by bigmac on May 2, 2007 14:09:26 GMT
ARMAGH manager Joe Kernan is pessimistic about Francie Bellew’s chances of being fit for Armagh’s first round clash against Donegal. Bellew sustained a knee injury when playing for his club, Crossmaglen, in their first league game of the year against Clan na Gael. Kernan reckons his Allstar defender will not recover in time for the game in Ballybofey. Speaking from Armagh’s training base in La Manga, Kernan said: “I don’t think he’s going to make it.” The Orchard County manager has flown to the Spanish resort ahead of his 32-man squad who will arrive tomorrow for a five-day training camp.
Kernan is being kept updated about his players back home, and he will know for certain today if Bellew will be ready for the game against Donegal. “I’m waiting on a phone call from the team doctor and I’ll know for definite then, but it’s not looking good,” said Kernan. This is the fourth time that the Orchard county have travelled to La Manga. Their first trip was in 2002, the year they the All-Ireland title for the first time. They returned in 2004 and 2006. In 2003 they went to Bath, while a rescheduling of fixtures meant they didn’t go anywhere in 2005.
When asked to detail the benefits of the warm weather training camp, Kernan said: “The players are away, we are all together and there are no distractions whatsoever. “You know the quality of the work you are going to do is good. For boys coming back from injuries, or for people that need to step up on certain stuff, you can fit an awful lot in during those four or five days.” While the Armagh players will be able to train in pleasant climes, Kernan insisted that their five days in the sun would be no holiday camp.
“It will be hard work. The boys will have no problem sleeping,” he said. Injuries and an influx of new talent means there is intense competition for places in the Armagh squad. “It’s the first time in six years that we have somebody for every position.” said Kernan.
The manager is clearly keen to nurture this rivalry amongst his players. When asked if he had a starting side in mind ahead of the game on May 27, he said: “I’d have a good idea in my own mind, but the next four or five days will cement a few things too.” Kernan has a formidable record in the Ulster Championship. Since 2002, his team has lost just one of their 19 outings.
But this year, they face one of their toughest challenges ever - Donegal, the reigning National League champions await them on their home turf in Ballybofey. “The best team won the National League. They’ve improved 100 per cent from the day they met us in the McKenna Cup. Their morale will he high. Nothing beats winning trophies. It won’t be easy, that’s for sure. “They are the form team at the minute. But we know what we have to do, it’s as simple as that,” said Kernan.
The Irish News
Kernan is being kept updated about his players back home, and he will know for certain today if Bellew will be ready for the game against Donegal. “I’m waiting on a phone call from the team doctor and I’ll know for definite then, but it’s not looking good,” said Kernan. This is the fourth time that the Orchard county have travelled to La Manga. Their first trip was in 2002, the year they the All-Ireland title for the first time. They returned in 2004 and 2006. In 2003 they went to Bath, while a rescheduling of fixtures meant they didn’t go anywhere in 2005.
When asked to detail the benefits of the warm weather training camp, Kernan said: “The players are away, we are all together and there are no distractions whatsoever. “You know the quality of the work you are going to do is good. For boys coming back from injuries, or for people that need to step up on certain stuff, you can fit an awful lot in during those four or five days.” While the Armagh players will be able to train in pleasant climes, Kernan insisted that their five days in the sun would be no holiday camp.
“It will be hard work. The boys will have no problem sleeping,” he said. Injuries and an influx of new talent means there is intense competition for places in the Armagh squad. “It’s the first time in six years that we have somebody for every position.” said Kernan.
The manager is clearly keen to nurture this rivalry amongst his players. When asked if he had a starting side in mind ahead of the game on May 27, he said: “I’d have a good idea in my own mind, but the next four or five days will cement a few things too.” Kernan has a formidable record in the Ulster Championship. Since 2002, his team has lost just one of their 19 outings.
But this year, they face one of their toughest challenges ever - Donegal, the reigning National League champions await them on their home turf in Ballybofey. “The best team won the National League. They’ve improved 100 per cent from the day they met us in the McKenna Cup. Their morale will he high. Nothing beats winning trophies. It won’t be easy, that’s for sure. “They are the form team at the minute. But we know what we have to do, it’s as simple as that,” said Kernan.
The Irish News
