Forde fit for Wexford's league opener

Mattie Forde has given Wexford a major lift by declaring himself fit for Sunday's Allianz Division Two national football league clash with Armagh.

With Wexford aiming to build on last year's success where they lost out in the All-Ireland semi-final to eventual champions, Tyrone, news of Forde's fitness is sure to boost the home crowd.

Forde has been troubled with an ankle problem since that Tyrone game, an injury that forced his retiral at half-time, but manager Jason Ryan is set to include him in his starting fifteen as they aim to repeat last year's Championship quarter-final victory over the Ulster champions.

The message from Ryan is that Mattie is ready and fit to face Armagh.

'We had a challenge game with Cavan on Saturday. Mattie played in that game and came through it one hundred per cent. He's fit and looking forward to sunday's game,' he said.

One of the top forward talents in present day football, Forde winning his fitness battle is just the incentive his side needs.

But it's not all positive news from the Wexford camp. Ryan will be without some regulars for this high profile opener.

'Centre-back David Murphy is out. David had a groin operation on Friday last which will rule him out for some time. David Walsh is not due back from New Zealand until next week, while both Shane roche (ankle) and Niall Murphy (back) are also out of contention, as is Redmond Barry, recently married, who is touring the world and will miss the league,' Ryan added.

But Wexford have been boosted by a number of experienced players returning to the squad while there are also some newcomers pushing for inclusion.

'Diarmuid Kinsella is back from Hong Kong and in training. He's a class act and is making great progress. David Fogarty and Shane Cullen are also back and in contention.

'Following inter-district trials and a number of challenge games my biggest task has been reducing the squad to thirty. Now it has to be reduced to twenty-four for Sunday. The strength in depth in the squad for training has improved immensely on last year.

'This is a huge game to start the league with but we are all looking forward to the game. We have already played and beaten the likes of Meath, Fermanagh, Armagh and Laois last year, all of whom are in our group. We will be taking each game seriously and hope to build and progress on last year's achievements, said Ryan.'