Hi °C | Lo °C Down manager Ross Carr may be forced to amend his defence for the forthcoming Ulster Championship semi-final against Armagh.
While Down's replay win over Tyrone was hailed by Mourne followers everywhere, it had a note of poignancy for Martin Cole.
The Rostrevor clubman was suspended for one month following a clash with Tyrone's Davy Harte in the drawn game between the counties at Healy Park and is now forced to sit out the semi-final having missed the replay victory last Saturday.
Cole has been hailed by Carr as one of Down's most consistent players this year and his absence was felt on occasions last Saturday.
Given that the Mourne rearguard will now be coming up against the Ronan Clarke-Steven McDonnell twin spearhead in the Armagh attack, Carr knows that a top-class defensive display will be essential if his team is to reach the final.
Meanwhile, there is considerable sympathy for former Armagh skipper Kieran McGeeney following his recent illness. Kildare boss McGeeney is currently recuperating at his home. His team are preparing for the All Ireland qualifiers but with teams of the calibre of Donegal, Tyrone, Monaghan, Meath and Limerick in the frame, Kildare's opportunity of gaining a measure of solace is limited.
