Hi °C | Lo °C Paul McGrane is expected to continue as Armagh captain in 2007 thus putting to bed rumours that he might be opting out of the inter-county scene.
The Lurgan accountant, one of the outstanding midfielders of the past decade, has already given magnificent service to Armagh and led them to their fifth Ulster title in six years during the summer.
The fact that McGrane will remain on board will come as a considerable boost to manager Joe Kernan and his new assistant John Rafferty.
McGrane's inclusion in the squad, coming on the heels of denials by Aidan O'Rourke and John Toal that they have terminated their involvement with the squad, provides a timely fillip for the Orchard County who are currently afflicted by injury woes.
Brian Mallon, Francie Bellew and Aaron Kernan are not expected to take any part in next month's Dr McKenna Cup in which Armagh are expected to be represented by the bulk of their U21 squad.
Some of these players have already tasted senior action, but manager Kernan is expected to introduce more new blood although representatives from Crossmaglen Rangers are not expected to be called upon because of the forthcoming AIB All Ireland Club semi-final against St Brigid's (Roscommon).
