Full Back Line
Kieran McGeeney has been keen to play attack-minded football during his reign and that is often displayed in his choice of defenders.
His back line has a licence to roam forward whenever the opportunity presents itself, portrayed by Aidan Forker against Fermanagh in round five of the league, when the corner back shot forward to raise a green flag.
Aidan Forker
The Maghery star has been a real leader of this Armagh team over the years and his versatility has been a key component of Kieran McGeeney’s side.
Following a successful run of games in the league, Forker looked to have nailed on the number three jersey for the upcoming season.
A strong man-marker with an attacking attitude, it would have been interesting to see where Forker lined up against Derry, and what job he would have been issued.
James Morgan
A tight, man-marking, no nonsense defender, Morgan’s appearances in 2020 have been as a substitute only.
He missed out on Crossmaglen’s Championship triumph last season due to injury, but is still one of the highest rated defenders in the county.
Regarded as Armagh’s best man-marker, Morgan would have likely started in the opening round of the Championship despite his lack of game time.
Aaron McKay
Like Morgan, injury had denied McKay a chance to get a run of games this season.
He has been eyed up as the man to fix Armagh’s full back problems for a few years now.
His aggression is what makes him stand out and the Dromintee defender would have been hopeful of seeing some game time in the first round of the Championship.
Conor O’Neill
Inexperienced at this level, O’Neill made his Armagh debut earlier in the season, starting against Cavan in the McKenna Cup.
The Killeavy man started in four of Armagh’s five league games, shifting between corner back and wing half back.
Better know as a forward at club level, O’Neill has the ability to play anywhere and would have pushed for a starting jersey this weekend.
Paddy Burns
Burns has suffered some serious heartache on the injury front in recent years but has displayed great determination and dedication to fight back.
He was one of the standout performances in Armagh’s last league win over Fermanagh and the Forkhill defender offers Kieran McGeeney another tight man-marker in the full back line.
Paul Hughes
One of the most consistent performers in the county at club level, Hughes is another great option to fill a spot in the last line of defence.
The attack-minded defender can play anywhere in the back six and when available is usually one of the first names on Kieran McGeeney’s team sheet.
Whether it be shadowing an attacker or breaking forward, Hughes is a deadly option in defence.
Who makes up your full back line?
