Andy Mallon will be a reluctant spectator when Armagh launch their Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup campaign against Antrim at the Athletic Grounds on Sunday (2.00pm).

A troublesome wrist injury not only rules Mallon out of the competition but could perhaps curtail his involvement in the early stages of the National League although manager Peter McDonnell remains upbeat that his experienced defender will be back in action sooner rather than later.

“It has been a frustrating experience for Andy of late. Don’t forget, he missed out on playing for Pearse Og against Crossmaglen Rangers in the Armagh championship final because of the injury,” points out McDonnell.

Armagh may have won seven Ulster Championship titles in the last ten years but this statistic will not count for a great deal on Sunday simply because of the composition of their side and, indeed, the fact that Antrim are keen to make early waves in the competition under new manager Liam Bradley.

His Armagh counterpart McDonnell fully appreciates the situation in which Bradley, father of Derry county players Paddy and Eoin, currently finds himself.

“I’m only over a year in my own post and it’s certainly a learning curve. I know that Liam will un

doubtedly bring great enthusiasm and vitality to the table and if he gets the response which he is seeking from his players, Antrim could be a force to be reckoned with as the year progresses,” states McDonnell.

The Saffrons side for Sunday includes a raft of fresh faces as several players are absent because of their involvement with their respective universities.

Bradley is already demanding that competition for places should be keen and that the door will remain open to those who may fit the bill further along the line.

“We will rule nothing in nor rule nothing out for the moment. We will go with the panel we have. It’s a big challenge for us to be meeting Armagh on their own ground but we are up for it. These are the kinds of games from which I can learn about my players, particularly in relation to their commitment and temperament” points out Bradley.