Armagh boost as Stefan rehab is going well

The Clan na Gael man however has stressed while his rehab treatment to an ankle injury is progressing quicker than expected, he is adopting a wait and see policy over the coming weeks.

The blues player had been in the form of his life for Armagh, but his injury forced him to sit out the game in Limerick along with the recent Fermanagh and Clare games,.Although Campbell’s injury should be healed before his side take to the stage for their Ulster Championship first round game against either Tyrone or Donegal, he suggested his first game back could be for the Clans.

“It would be great to play for Armagh again in the league particularly if we reached the final at Croke Park,” said Stefan.

“Our team physio has been great and Kieran (McGeeney) has left no stone unturned as he does with all the players, but to be honest my first game back could be for the Clans in the Championship in May.”

Stefan damaged his ankle ligaments earlier in the season and his condition has been complicated due to a chipped bone. The Lurgan man, who missed out on an All Ireland medal back in 2009, rose to prominence last season and was highly instrumental in his sides narrow defeat against Donegal in the All Ireland quarter final last season.

While many supporters would prefer to see the Clans man play closer to goals he would be more than content to line out in a deeper role if his manager continues with his current policy.

“I enjoy playing up front but would have to say that in the modern County game were teams can drop big numbers back forwards can be starved off possession.

“I thought that I was playing ok around the middle for the County so if the manager decides that is where he wants me then so be it. The Armagh team is hard to get into at the minute so at the end of the day I will have to show firstly that I am fit enough to play, and then win back my place.”

Stefan showed his worth last season in the role of an orthodox striker when he hit 11 points for the Clans in a Club Championship game against St. Paul’s yet finished on the losing side. The chances are that to make in-roads in the Provincial series the Lurgan man will have to spearhead the County’s attack alongside Jamie Clarke, although McGeeney’s side will be tested in their remaining games its all about the Championship stressed the blues player.

“It is frustrating for any player to miss games at any time of the year, but we all like to be fit for the Championship season, hopefully I can be ready if not for the end of the League for the beginning of the Championship,” added Stefan.

Should Armagh beat Louth at the Athletic Grounds on Saturday night they would be almost certain of clinching a Division 3 League Final appearance at the end of April, Colm Kelly’s team however are currently facing the prospect of relegation and the Wee County will be making the short cross border trip to the Orchard County in the hope of upsetting the Armagh applecart.

Campbell says Armagh must focus on the win. “We need to be playing competitive games right up to the start of the Ulster championship, getting another run out in Croke park would be great preparation for our Provincial campaign,” he concluded.