Jamie Clarke looks set for a return to the Armagh football team in 2017, writes Stephen Barry.
The prolific Crossmaglen and Armagh forward moved to New York earlier this year and signed for semi-professional soccer team Shamrocks in September. Clarke’s goals have helped Shamrocks to lead Division 1 of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League.
5-2 win for @CosmoLeague Div 1 leaders Shamrocks v Pancyprians!. Goals by Kwesi Mills-Odoi, Jamie Clarke (2), Damian Lopez & Alejandro Fritz pic.twitter.com/ZtfmqBBp9O
— The Rocks (@NYShamrockSC) November 6, 2016
However, Clarke posted a picture of him wearing his home county’s jersey on Instagram tonight with the caption “I’m ready”.
That followed a post two weeks ago featuring Clarke and Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney in New York.
Clarke told the Irish Examiner in May that his fitness wouldn’t be an issue for an inter-county return.
“I am 26. I don’t know how you’re supposed to feel when you’re getting older. I don’t know how it’s going to affect me. I have a good metabolism and I enjoy being active. In terms of fitness, it won’t be an issue,” said Clarke.
Jamie Clarke: ‘It’s a courageous thing to go away and do your own thing’ https://t.co/aZEBnUQUhm pic.twitter.com/TKGHeivvuc
— Irish Examiner Sport (@ExaminerSport) May 29, 2016
“I would be able to catch up. Ultimately, deep down it’s not over for me. I want the year to stabilise my other needs outside of sport and if I get those right and can come back to what I want and play then great.”
Armagh failed to win a championship game in 2016 and were relegated to Division 3 in the league.
