DOWN’S attacking options have been bolstered by the addition of powerful forward John McGovern.
The Ballyholland man was part of the warm-up ahead of Sunday’s Division Three victory over Antrim, which left the Mourne County with three wins out of three as they chase promotion to the second tier.
It appears as though McGovern intends to balance the demands of the inter-county scene with his commitments to Sports Direct Premiership strugglers Newry City, who currently sit five points off second from bottom Ballymena United at the foot of the table.
Before rupturing ankle ligaments against Carrick Rangers last April, an injury that left him sidelined until the end of October, McGovern was one of the most highly-rated young talents in the Irish League.
Several top six clubs made enquiries about the Northern Ireland U21 star, while clubs in England and Scotland were also keeping tabs. However, injury has restricted him to just 12 appearances so far this season, scoring one goal.
The 21-year-old came off the bench in Newry’s 8-2 defeat to Glentoran at The Oval on Saturday, and played no part – nor was he named on the matchday panel - as Down recorded a nine-point victory over the Saffrons the following afternoon.
However, it is understood he did train with the panel in the lead-up to that game, with the hope that he could feature in red and black before the end of the National League.
Laverty is well aware of what McGovern could bring to his panel, having been part of the 2021 Ulster U20-winning side from which Charlie Smyth, Paddy McCarthy, Odhran Murdock, Andrew Gilmore, Tom Close, Eamon Brown, Anthony Morgan, Shealan Johnston, Ruairi O’Hare, Danny Magill and Ryan Magill have all gone to play senior inter-county football.
And, speaking to The Irish News last year, McGovern admitted the possibility of appearing in county colours still held considerable appeal – especially with the Kilcoo man at the helm.
“Conor is quality. He is one of the best coaches I’ve ever played under. He’s a complete and utter winner,” he said.
“It was his winning mentality and his knowledge of the game, his will to win and trying to be as successful as possible. The bond he had with his players was unbelievable.
“Some managers don’t always have good connections with their players but Conor got on with the whole team and we really bonded. He knew everybody’s personality even though there are loads of different personalities in a changing room and people respond to different things. He knew everyone inside out.
“Obviously I’d still keep in contact with boys who are still playing for Down and I’d love to go back. A few of them would say about coming down to training… it depends... if the soccer finishes up around April/May time and the Championship is on, I could give it a rattle.”
Down’s remaining games are against Offaly on Saturday evening, Sligo at Pairc Esler the following Sunday, before finishing up with a trip to promotion rivals Westmeath and a home clash with Clare.
Kilcoo forward Ryan Johnston, so impressive as the Magpies clinched another Down crown last year, could come back into the fold for the first time this year when the Faithful travel to Newry this weekend.
Once the League is over, McGovern could be involved once the Championship gets under way, as the Mournemen bid to secure promotion and a place in the All-Ireland series, rather than competing in the Tailteann Cup for the third year in-a-row.
First up will be their Ulster campaign, which begins with an April 14 showdown against Antrim – the winner going on to face either Fermanagh or Armagh in the provincial semi-final.
