GAINING promotion out of Division Four of the National Football League will be "easier said than done" for Antrim, says Lamh Dhearg's Paddy Cunningham.
The Saffrons face a tricky opener on Sunday when they travel to take on Carlow. It is a repeat of last years first game which finished in a draw.
A win at Dr Cullen Netwatch Park would set the side up nicely for a tilt at a longed for escape from the basement.
Cunningham however, who took a year out last season with family and work commitments, sees nothing straightforward about the task facing Frank Fitzsimons' and Gearoid Adams' men.
"I don’t think people realise how difficult it is," insisted Cunningham.
"It’s a dog fight down there – everybody is probably thinking to themselves that if they have a good league campaign that they have a realistic chance of promotion. So it’s easier said than done.
"It won’t be easy going to Carlow but I think they could have had worse starts.
"No game in Division Four is easy but fingers crossed they can come out of the right side of the result."
"The likes of Wexford being down there this year – there’s no doubt that they’ll have it on their minds.
"And Louth as well – there are two good teams, never mind the Wicklow’s and others who are always there or thereabouts. But from Antrim’s point of view – they will be looking at one game at a time.
"[The aim will be to] get the Carlow one over first and then take them as they come."
Cunningham, who captained Antrim in the 2009 Ulster final, revealed that he would love to feature for the county this season if considered and hopes that the panel have made progress during Fitzsimon's maiden season.
"Last year was the first year that Frank had the team and that the boys had played under him so hopefully they will be a wee bit further on this year," he continued.
"Obviously, it’s a different dynamic in the panel this year but I think it’s a better overall panel than what they had last year.
"Getting the likes of Mick McCann,Tomas McCann, Kevin O’Boyle and Kevin Niblock back are huge additions and having played with those boys for eight or nine years – they are genuine Antrim men and have the best for Antrim at heart.
"They would grace any panel in Ulster and possibly Ireland as well. They are four good characters and four huge personalities to have in the changing room."
"I think that will create a good spirit around the camp and give a new lease of life because there’s a good mix of youth and experience there as well."
For his own part, he admits that not being part of it is a wrench.
"To be honest, I miss it now," he said.
"I took a year out last year as I just had a lot on my plate with work and family and stuff but to be honest I thought my performances over the last couple of years for everybody weren’t up to the standards that I would expect from myself.
"So I thought a year out with the club would be best for everybody and to be honest I was very happy with my club form last year.
"I would definitely give it [coming back] consideration, yes. [I don't know]whether it’s too late at this stage of the game to go back."
