Marty Clarke in line for shock Down return as a goalkeeper

Down coach Marty Clarke is in line to make his return to the inter-county playing fold 13 years after his last appearance for the Mournemen.

The former forward is being considered for a reimagining as a sweeper keeper, as the Ulster county look to address something of a shortage in the pivotal position.

John O'Hare is performing well for the unbeaten Division 3 side, with Kevin Anderson - who came on against Limerick - his current back-up, but with last year's starter Niall Kane opting out, Charlie Smyth currently awaiting word of a potential NFL contract and Warrenpoint's Gary McMahon not available, manager Conor Laverty is contemplating calling on the 36-year-old Clarke.

Goalkeeping coach John Devine is impressed with Clarke's progress, particularly in terms of his distribution, from kick-outs and open play, and the An Ríocht man could be an option in the mould of the modern sweeper keeper, such as Tyrone's Niall Morgan, Armagh’s Ethan Rafferty or Mayo's Colm Reape.

Clarke has recently been playing in goal for An Ríocht, having played some underage football in the position.

Interestingly back-up keeper Anderson was also in the 2010 Down panel as an outfielder and was brought in as a keeper after a nine-year absence.

Clarke last played for Down in 2011, the year after he earned an All-Star for his role in Down reaching the All-Ireland final. After previously playing in the AFL with Collingwood, he returned to play for the club once more until 2014.

He retired from playing in 2017 due to Addison's disease.

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