THE injuries may be piling up ahead of the start of the National League, but Aidan Forker insists Armagh have the panel to cope with the loss of some big players.
Midfielder Ben Crealey, forward Ethan Rafferty and experienced defender Brendan Donaghy all limped from the field during the course of Sunday’s Dr McKenna Cup Section B win over Derry.
Indeed, Forker and captain Rory Grugan also departed the action early after cramping up in the latter stages as the Orchardmen saw out the game with 14 men.
With a last four clash against Donegal in Ballybofey tomorrow night, boss Kieran McGeeney has already expressed concern about picking up any more injuries ahead of the Division Three opener against Sligo on January 28.
But Forker believes Armagh now have the strength in depth to deal with whatever is thrown at them.
“I wouldn’t say it was a concern,” he said.
“We’ve got a big panel of players who are chomping at the bit to get their place. There’s no what you would call ‘superstars’ in this team, it’s all players who can slot in and do a job.
“That’s the way we look at it. Games are the most important thing, they’re coming thick and fast and that can only help us going into the League.”
Andrew Murnin came back into the starting 15 having missed the midweek win over Ulster University and, along with Forker, was one of Armagh’s best players against Derry, scoring the game’s only goal in the 21st minute.
With the likes of Jamie Clarke and Stefan Campbell unavailable for the time being, the St Paul’s full-forward – coming back off an injury-hit couple of years – could be a crucial figure for the Orchard during the League.
“Andy’s a big player, but we have a lot of options in there,” said Forker.
“Andy obviously is a great finisher and the ball sticks to him inside, so that’s a real help. If you put maybe a 50-50 ball into him, he makes it look like a good ball.
“I think you saw out there that players were really working for each other and looking out for each other. Maybe that’s something we’ve lacked in recent years, but the players are bringing a real appetite this year.”
Armagh enjoyed a physical superiority over Damian McErlain’s young Derry side, forcing turnover after turnover at times, especially in the first half.
And where they were guilty of some sloppy passes against the students last Wednesday night, Sunday saw the Orchardmen play much more controlled football – something, Forker says, they need to improve upon to compete with the big boys.
“Obviously we looked at the game against Jordanstown and talked about taking pride in our possession.
“There were a few wee sloppy balls but we’re trying things as well so that’s going to happen, the ball’s going to break down. It was an improvement on Wednesday night but that’s only one game.
“If we can string that together, be a wee bit more conscious with our play, a wee bit more patient despite what the crowd might say. That’s the nature of the game at the minute – possession is nine-tenths of the law at this level, especially against the top teams because if you give the ball away you’re really going to get hurt.”
