Kieran McGeeney revealed he was forced into two late changes for Saturday’s victory over Antrim after Ciaran Mackin and Paddy Burns were ruled out during the week.
Mackin, who was set to return to the starting 15 after suffering an ACL injury last season, had a setback in training and was unable to play any part in the 11-point win at Corrigan Park.
Defender Burns was also unavailable and McGeeney said the Burren clubman had an allergic reaction capping off a “rough week” on the injury front for the All-Ireland champions.
READ MORE: Recap as Armagh survive Antrim scare to progress to Ulster SFC semi-final
“We've had a rough few weeks with injuries and stuff. I think we had only maybe three or four from last year's team,” said McGeeney.
“There's a lot of debutantes out there today and a lot of fellows who hadn't much time and ‘TK’ (Tiernan Kelly) hasn't played like since last year either.
“That was his first game and Tomas McCormack, good start going on the point, and Callum with four points.
“Darragh McMullen probably his first clean start in the Championship too, like at a really good game for us.It's a decent game for us - just hoping not to pick up any more injuries.
“He (Mackin) hurt his knee, it looks like an old injury, but it is a serious old injury so we don't know what the story is with it yet, so we'll just have to see over the next week what way it starts.
“We lost Paddy Burns then on Wednesday too. He took an allergic reaction to something, looked like the elephant man this morning. I'm sure he’ll love me describing him as that like, but, like he couldn't open his right eye or anything.
“So yeah, it's been a rough week like, but in fairness to the guys they came in like they couldn't ask more from them like.”
The Orchard County now await the winners of Tyrone’s quarter-final clash with Cavan. McGeeney said he has no preference in terms of a semi-final opponent.
“I think they are two different teams,” added the Armagh boss.
“Cavan's very physical, very strong, like, you know, there's a couple of good under 21s as well.
“I think it'll be a tough game, but you know, Tyrone some special players too, like, you know, Cannavans, McCurry - they've got everything up front and probably one of the best goalkeepers in the country like in terms of how he orchestrates things.”
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