The performances of players returning from injury and the debutants against Antrim impressed Armagh coach Kieran Donaghy.
Armagh easily dismissed Antrim in the preliminary round of the Ulster Championship, winning 0-20 to 1-8.
It was a big day for Shane McPartlan, who scored 0-4 from midfield on his championship debut. Cian McConville, a second half sub, also got his first taste of championship action.
Ben Crealey and James Morgan both impressed in their first appearances of the season.
Midfield
“There were plenty of fellas there that were waiting to snap at jerseys and put in a good performance for themselves and their clubs and the team.
“I think Kieran (McGeeney) showed big faith in Shane and Ben in the middle of the field,” said Donaghy.
“They really answered the call when we were missing the likes of Rian (O’Neill), Andrew (Murnin) and Niall Grimley.
“They’re big losses and big men and I felt those two boys came in today after not playing much football all year.
“They followed through on what they’ve been building on in the last few weeks in training. It just shows that if you put in a good two or three weeks you get a jersey and it’s going to be hard pressed to take it off.
“Fellas aren’t just going to get it back; they’ll have to earn it back off them. That’s the way we’ve been trying to go all year.
“I’m delighted for those two fellas and James Morgan to come back in today and play the way he did.
“He was huge, I think he really set the tone for us early and got us engaged, I’m delighted for those fellas and the squad.
“It was good to see Cian McConville and Ciaran Higgins. I know Cian came on at the end against Tyrone when we were chasing a goal.
“We probably didn’t give him enough time but it’s good to see those fellas getting in and that’s a good buzz for the boys.”
