After establishing himself at Scarlets, North joined Northampton in 2013, winning the Premiership title and the European Challenge Cup a year later.

He returned to Wales in 2018 on a national dual contract with Ospreys before leaving for Provence amid financial uncertainty in Welsh rugby.

His spell in France has not been helped by injury. Having suffered a ruptured Achilles in his final Wales game, against Italy in March 2024, he did not make his Provence debut until January 2025.

He has made 16 appearances for Provence, four of which have come this season.

North, who is married to former world champion sprint cyclist Becky James, said he is “still working on” on what the next chapter will be in his stellar career.

“But I am excited to see where that journey takes me,” he added.

The Funky Natz Foundation was set up by the parents of 11-year-old Natalie Hughes who died suddenly in March 2011.

Fundraisers will head to Wishaw Golf Club for an annual golf tournament that will raise funds for Epilepsy Scotland in memory of a Lanarkshire schoolgirl.

The Funky Natz Foundation was set up by the parents of 11-year-old Natalie Hughes who died suddenly in March 2011.

Natalie’s mum and dad Eileen and Eddie launched the charity foundation following the unexplained death of their daughter, who had epilepsy.

Over the years the foundation has kept the memory of the East Kilbride girl alive in people’s minds, and has raised a staggering total of over £180,000.

Natalie’s uncle, Iain Cairns from Wishaw, forms part of the committee and helps organise the event each year.

Speaking ahead of this year’s event, which will be held on Sunday, May 24, Iain said: “In the 15 years since we started the foundation we have raised close to £180,000 for the charity which shows the level support we have received.

“This year is no different thanks to our lead sponsors Vertu Toyota Hamilton. We have also received backing from businesses including KPP Accountants, Watson Towers, Halls Coaches and Serco who have all donated prizes.

“We’d like to thank all of them for their support, they always look after us.”

Around 140 golfers are set to take part in the fundraising highlight of the year and features a brand new car, courtesy of Vertu Toyota, as a prize for a hole-in-one at one of the greens.

READ MORE: Wishaw social care worker who let service user drive her car without license warned

Other prizes include a hospitality trip to see Manchester United in the new season as well as four-balls at Royal Troon, Dundonald, the picturesque Machrihanish on the Mull of Kintyre and a host of other courses.

There is also the chance for a round of golf at Gleneagles with a Celtic legend as well a host of other top prizes.

Iain added: “We are doing all of this in memory of Natalie and that is what keeps us going. We would like to hit the £200,000 mark this year if we could.

“It might be a bit of a tough ask but we will try our best. It’s always a good day and hopefully the weather is kind to us.”

More information on the Funky Natz Foundation is available on its Facebook page. For more information on Epilepsy Scotland, visit: www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk

READ MORE: Wishaw thug battered man with brick after branding him police informer and paedophile

*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

For the first time, Ukraine has captured a Russian position using only ground robots and aerial drones, reports suggest. In a message posted on social media on April 14, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky said: “The occupiers surrendered, and the operation was carried out without infantry and without losses on our side.”

Zelensky offered no further details about the operation, but this points to a serious shift in how such robots are used. They are increasingly being deployed in direct combat in war zones. What was once imagined as the future is now a reality.

Until recently, these ground robots were used mainly by the Ukrainian army in support roles, including resupplying frontline positions, evacuating wounded soldiers, and carrying out mining or demining operations in targeted areas.

However, there have been other reported uses of these robots (also known as an unmanned ground vehicles) in combat roles in the war between Russia and Ukraine. In January 2026, Ukrainian forces were reported to have captured three Russian soldiers in Zaporizhzhia using a single ground robot. Footage of the incident, which circulated online, showed the impact of facing a robotic system in combat written on the faces of the captured soldiers.

This has been going on for some time. In March 2025, The Wall Street Journal reported that Ukrainian forces engaged Russian forces near Kharkiv using several ground robots equipped with machine guns. These were deployed from different positions and supported by first-person-view (FPV) attack drones.

Improving with experience

Not much is known about the type of unmanned ground vehicles used by Ukraine. But reports suggest that among the weapons used in most of these attacks is the Droid TW 12.7, developed by Devdroid, a private tech company in Ukraine involved in the manufacture of military robotics.

This robot is armed with a 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, has a firing range of up to roughly one kilometre, and is equipped with night-vision capability. It is remotely operated, rather than fully autonomous, although it can carry out preprogrammed combat tasks.

Devdroid, like most military tech start-ups in Ukraine, appears to hold an advantage in manufacturing these systems and in testing them in active combat conditions on a timely basis. This creates rapid feedback, allowing for quick adjustments and improvements based on battlefield experience.

A coordinated attack, like the ones conducted by Ukraine, involving a group of ground vehicles and swarms of drones, is not just a low-cost way to defend or seize positions but also points to a change in how force is applied on the battlefield.

Such a coordinated “multi-swarm” of killer robots on the ground and in the air would reduce the exposure of human soldiers for the attacking side, while increasing the pressure on those defending both in terms of casualties and the loss of expensive equipment. Such robots are produced locally and are far cheaper to lose than trained soldiers or expensive military hardware, such as tanks.

There are early indications of this effect. In December 2025, near Kostyantynivka, a Ukrainian Droid TW 12.7 is reported to have detected and disrupted a Russian night assault, destroying an MT-LB armoured vehicle in the process. Incidents like this suggest an opportunity to learn with each deployment and to feed that information back in to subsequent operations.

At present, these robots are not fully autonomous. They are remotely operated, with limited automated functions depending on their programmes. Nonetheless, the direction is clear. As production expands, as these robots are tested, and their designs are refined, these weapon systems are likely to become more capable. They are likely to feature increased levels of coordination and a likely increase in autonomy.

Like any battlefield technology, they have limits. Rough terrain can restrict their movement, and they may be vulnerable to jamming. However, the recent history of drone warfare suggests that such weaknesses are unlikely to remain without resolution for long. Design changes, battlefield testing and production cycles are likely to lead to the manufacture of robots that are more capable over time.

No one wants to face a coordinated attack involving swarms of drones and unmanned ground vehicles on the battlefield. Whatever the view anyone may hold, the advantage is shifting towards systems such as the Droid TW 12.7, both now and in future conflicts.

The future is now

The use of these robots raise ethical and legal concerns, including questions of accountability when multiple weapons systems are deployed at once, and issues related to reduced restraint in their use.

In our recent study, we found that existing international laws are insufficient to regulate the development and use of killer robots that may target and kill autonomously. We argue that such weapons pose serious ethical, legal and security risks in the places where they are deployed, often in the global south. For instance, the first recorded use of an autonomous killer robot occurred in Libya in 2020, when an armed group reportedly deployed a Turkish-made Kargu-2 drone that “hunted down” members of the Libyan National Army.

We recommend that humans must remain in control of these weapons, and that clearer human-centred rules are needed to govern the design, testing and deployment of autonomous weapons systems, which include robots.

The unprecedented use of robots to capture an enemy position in Ukraine marks a clear shift in how robots are used on the battlefield. It might already be possible for one or two soldiers to deploy groups of coordinated robots that, together with swarms of drones, attack or defend front lines in the battlefield.

Killer robots are no longer something that exists only in science fiction movies. They are real and here to stay. This shift in the use of robots on the battlefield increases the need for international regulation on the production, testing and use of AI-enabled weapons.

The Other Bennet Sister fans have been left craving more period dramas, and they’re in luck.

The Other Bennet Sister fans are being urged to watch another “delightful” drama.

Devotees of the record-breaking drama The Other Bennet Sister have been frantically searching for other period dramas to devour.

The smash-hit BBC series, which starred Ella Bruccoleri, has reignited an appetite for Jane Austen classics and other novel-based dramas.

Fans are in luck, as a former BBC production, which originally aired back in 2012, is now available to stream completely free of charge.

The series ran for two seasons and is set in 1875, depicting the lives and loves of those who work, shop, and trade in and around England’s first department store.

The Paradise, the series in question, was filmed at Lambton Castle, which was transformed into an 1870s upmarket department store for the production.

The show is an adaptation of Émile Zola’s 1883 novel Au Bonheur des Dames, relocating the narrative to the North East of England.

Zola’s novel itself is a reimagining of the life of Aristide Boucicaut, the Bellême-born founder of Le Bon Marché.

The synopsis reveals the series tells “the story of a young woman who works in a department store and gets caught up in the charms of the modern world“.

Advertisement

Several recognisable faces featured in the period drama, amongst them Shetland’s Mark Bonnar and Killing Eve’s Adrian Scarborough.

Two seasons were broadcast before the BBC opted to axe the programme in order to make way for further period dramas.

Viewers took to IMDb to voice their opinions on the series, with one writing: “This is a terrific show to binge watch on a weekend.” Another viewer remarked: “Loved it!! This was a thoroughly delightful series to watch. Stunning costumes. Outstanding performances.”

They continued: “The Paradise has it all: love, hate, greed, rivalries, betrayals, intrigue, secrecy, control, manipulation and redemption.”

A third enthusiast revealed: “What a gem! I love these types of shows and I was not disappointed. The relationships between the characters are wonderful.”

A fourth praised it as “brilliant”, noting: “Absolutely captivated by the brilliance of Denise and the charm of Mr Murray. The setting, time frame and romance draws you in leaving you wanting for more after each episode.”

A fifth supporter characterised it as a “tale of love, control, manipulation and redemption”.

The Paradise is available to stream on U

The idea is for hospital and community services to work together ‘under one roof’ to identify which additional support is needed for people once they have been discharged.

The Integrated Transfer of Care Hub will be open seven days a week to reduce the amount of time they spend in hospital and creating tailored plans to support people home.

Key features of an Integrated Transfer of Care Hub include all teams working together to care for the patient inside and outside of hospital, with teams in place to support patients in their home.

The new hub will working with voluntary organisations, including Age UK Bolton and armed forces charities.

Patients who require additional support after leaving hospital will arrive in the Integrated Transfer of Care Hub to receive a full assessment and make sure they’re being discharged to the place that best meet their needs.

630757524

For these patients it means less duplication of assessments and reduced likelihood of deconditioning, infection, confusion or disorientation and increased dependence.

The transformation of N Block is underway, with construction work set to be complete by September 2026.

Rae Wheatcroft, Chief Operating Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:“We know that once patients are well enough to go home safely, staying in hospital longer than they need can end up slowing down their recovery.

N Block. Picture Bolton NHS Foundation Trust

“Our Integrated Transfer of Care Hub will see a team of health and care professionals, community services, and voluntary and social enterprise organisations working together from the moment a patient is admitted to find out what support they might need once they’re out of hospital and back in the place they call home.

“Connecting services together in this way means our patients will spend less time in hospital whilst at the same time freeing up bed capacity for other patients who need our help too.”

The creation of the hub forms part of the Trust’s 2024-2029 strategy to create new models of care that better meet the needs of Bolton and reduce pressure on hospital services, as well as with the government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England which focuses on shifting care from hospitals to communities.

Mikel Arteta has provided the latest Arsenal team news ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that Kai Havertz will miss the Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid with injury. However, a double boost has been confirmed with Eberechi Eze and Riccardo Calafiori set feature in the matchday squad.

Mikel Arteta’s men are set to lock horns with the La Liga giants in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tonight, with a number of crucial players having been touch-and-go for the fixture.

The Gunners were dealt three injury concerns during their victory over Newcastle, with Havertz, Eze and Martin Zubimendi all being substituted off. The stakes couldn’t be higher for Arsenal as the victors of the tie will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final, with the two sides playing out a nine-goal thriller on Tuesday.

READ MORE: Thierry Henry picks out two Arsenal concerns ahead of Atletico Madrid Champions League clashREAD MORE: Mikel Arteta ‘upset Arsenal coaches’ by cutting ties with £27million Gunners signing

With all of that being said, Mirror Sport has taken a look at the latest updates on Arsenal’s injured stars and when they might return to action.

Eberechi Eze

Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal against Newcastle and claimed the Player of the Match award, but was hauled off after sustaining a knock just 10 minutes into the second half.

Although fans may have been concerned the versatile attacking midfielder was facing time on the sidelines, Eze was quick to put minds at rest when speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

He said: “Yeah, I’m alright. I’m all good,” before adding: “Just precaution, didn’t want to do anything. Yeah, I’ll be okay.”

Arteta has since confirmed he will be available for selection for tonight’s match.

Potential return date: Wednesday, April 29 vs Atletico Madrid (A).

Kai Havertz

Havertz was replaced by Viktor Gyokeres just 35 minutes into the encounter with Newcastle United, requiring treatment on the pitch before being substituted by Arteta and heading straight down the tunnel for further assessment.

Speaking afterwards, Arteta said of Havertz and Eze: “Lets see, at the moment they have to be looked after but hopefully they’re going to be okay.”

Yet during his pre-match press conference ahead of Atletico, Arteta confirmed: “Kai is out.”

Potential return date: Sunday, May 10 vs West Ham (A).

Riccardo Calafiori

The Italian was omitted from the squad to face Newcastle United, with Arteta acknowledging the defender was nearing a comeback.

The Gunners manager explained: “He was very close. But we have certain players that are coming back from injuries and can play certain moments as well, and we need to be balanced in what we need to.”

In encouraging news for Arsenal, Arteta confirmed he would be available to face Atletico Madrid.

Potential return date: Wednesday, April 29 vs Atletico Madrid (A).

Jurrien Timber

Despite some uncertainty in the pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed Jurrien Timber would be missing from the squad in Madrid.

“Jurrien is not in the squad,” Arteta stated, before being pressed on a potential return timeframe. He added: “We don’t know yet, he is doing some stuff on the pitch at the moment. He needs to do some more things before he can compete with us.”

Potential return date: Unknown.

Mikel Merino

Although the Spaniard could yet make an appearance before the season draws to a close, Arteta has remained tight-lipped over any timeframe for Merino’s recovery.

Arteta recently said: “It’s a bit premature to say that [he will play again this season]. He’s evolving really well he’s really pushing every boundary that he possibly can but it’s a bit early to answer that question.”

Potential return date: Unknown.

The world is full of animal viruses, and we’re pretty sure that one of them will cause the next pandemic. To prevent pandemics, we need to predict which of the vast number of animal viruses are most likely to infect humans. A new study, published in Nature, sets out an elegant and powerful way for scientists to sift through the enormous diversity of animal viruses without risking being infected by them in the process.

In this study, a team of researchers in the UK used cutting-edge lab techniques to track down a previously obscure virus infecting bats in Kenya. Here’s what they did, and how they may have helped us to get ahead of the next pandemic.

Fortunately, most animal viruses will never cause pandemics because when they try to infect human cells, they fail at the first step.

To infect a cell, the first thing a virus has to do is to bind to an “entry receptor”. This is a specific molecule on the cell’s surface that the virus attaches to so it can enter the cell.

When a virus infects a new host species, it has a problem. The cells will be coated with different molecules from the ones the virus is used to, and often the virus has nothing to grab hold of. Viruses are adept at all the stages of cellular breaking and entering, but none of them matters if they can’t even get hold of the door handle.

If we could predict which viruses could use the entry receptors found on human cells, we would know which viruses we needed to take special care around to reduce the risk of pandemics. However, for most viruses, we don’t know what their entry receptors are, let alone if human cells carry them.

Finding the door handle

In this new study, the researchers set out on a hunt for viruses that could bind to human entry receptors. They chose the alphacoronavirus family. This group of viruses includes two common cold viruses, so clearly some of them can infect humans. They also include many viruses that infect other animals, particularly bats.

Alphacoronaviruses are distant cousins of the betacoronaviruses and hence of SARS-CoV-2, which famously jumped from bats to humans to cause the COVID pandemic. Could an alphacoronavirus do something similar?

The entry receptors of almost all alphacoronaviruses, like those of the vast majority of viruses, are not known. What we do have is the virus’s genome sequences. From these, the team identified the genes of the spike proteins. If you picture a virus, such as SARS-CoV-2, the spike proteins are the bits that stick out from the surface of the virus. Their job is to bind to entry receptors.

Not unreasonably, the scientists wanted to study viral receptor binding without spending any time in the presence of potentially dangerous pathogens. They did this by creating particles called “pseudotyped viruses”: dummy virus particles that carry the spike proteins of a real virus on their surface.

Pseudotyped viruses can bind to cells but cannot replicate. As a result, they are entirely safe to work with.

As expected, pseudotypes of the two common cold viruses grabbed firmly on to human cells. Comfortingly, most of the other alphacoronaviruses could not. But there was one exception. The coronavirus KY43, a rather obscure virus previously identified in heart-nosed bats in Kenya, bound very well to a protein found on human cells.

How worried should we be about KY43? Related viruses are found in bats around the world, but, fortunately, most of them are not very good at binding to the human version of their entry receptor. The ones that can bind to human proteins are found in a relatively small region of east Africa, and people living in the part of Kenya where the virus was first identified don’t seem to show any evidence of infection.

This is reassuring, though not surprising. There are multiple steps needed for a virus to break into a human cell, after all, and binding was just the first of them. But this work marks KY43 as a virus to keep an eye on.

More generally, this paper is a powerful proof of concept for how we could carry out pre-pandemic risk assessment. Screens like this can be safely applied to any virus that we have a genome sequence for. More broadly, it should be possible to design similar screens for many of the other things a virus needs to do in order to pose a threat to humans.

The world is overflowing with animal viruses, most of which will never hurt us. But some of them could. Work like this will help us spot the ones we need to take more care of.

‘Excellent for long hospitality shifts being on your feet for 8 or 9 hours,’ said one fan of the discounted Skechers trainers

Shoppers are singing the praises of a pair of Skechers trainers they describe as ‘super comfy’ even after prolonged wear — and to top it off, they are currently reduced by 43%. The Skechers Women’s D’Lites Biggest Fan Trainers are now on offer at £39, slashed from £69, but time is running out to get the deal.

The discount applies to the stylish yet practical Black Trubuck White Mesh Silver Trim colourway, which is available in sizes UK 2 to 9. The trainers boast a padded tongue and collar, along with a soft fabric lining for extra comfort.

The Skechers trainers also feature contrast colour mesh fabric panels designed for a ‘cooling effect’, as well as a hardwearing rubber sole. Amazon reports that more than 50 pairs have already been purchased in the past month alone, underlining their growing popularity.

One fan said: “Great comfort. Bought these for work, being on my feet all day and having back issues, these have made my day a bit more comfortable with the support they give.”

Another shopper agreed, saying: “Excellent for long hospitality shifts being on your feet for 8-9 hours!”

The Skechers Women’s D’Lites Biggest Fan Trainers are £30 off

£69.00

£39.00

Skechers and Amazon

Advertisement

SHOP THE DEAL

Shoppers can save money on Skechers trainers that have impressed fans with their levels of comfort.

For those seeking an alternative, the M&S Knitted Slip On Trainers are available for £40. Offered in three colours and sizes 3 to 8, they feature a contemporary knitted upper and a convenient slip-on fastening.

Meanwhile, over at Next, the Neutral Chunky Mesh Detail Trainers are currently on sale for £19, reduced from £49. Available in sizes 3 to 9 — though some sizes are currently out of stock — they come with lace-up fastenings, mesh detailing, and Forever Comfort insoles for additional cushioning, reports the Liverpool Echo.

“Amazon customers have awarded the Skechers Women’s D’Lites Biggest Fan Trainers an average rating of 4.6 out of five stars, based on over 34,000 reviews. One purchaser commented: “Bought for two days at Disney. No foot aches or pain at all, super comfy even after 15 hours!”,

Another reviewer wrote: “I have been wearing these for nearly six months now and they are still very comfortable. I use them for daily walking. They are quite durable and still look good after regular use. The design is stylish and easy to match with different outfits.”

Meanwhile, another shopper took issue with the laces, observing: “Bought for my wife. She comments that they are nice and comfortable but the laces are poor and we have already had to replace both because of fraying.”

By contrast, an enthusiastic five-star review for the Skechers Women’s D’Lites Biggest Fan Trainers states: “I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! The design is super cute, and the black colour makes them so easy to pair with any outfit – versatility at its best. One of the things I really love is the sole; it’s rough, giving me excellent grip, especially on slippery snow days.

“They’re true to size and have that perfect chunky look I was going for. They are also lightweight…. Overall, I’m absolutely in love with them. They’ve definitely ticked all the boxes for me – no regrets at all!”

Another satisfied customer simply stated: “Fantastic trainers, comfortable, great quality, and a true size.” Some buyers offered constructive criticism, with one explaining: “They look amazing and feel amazing. The only reason they don’t get five stars from me is that, sometimes, they get uncomfortable in the toe area. I appreciate the fact that they come with spare laces though; that is amazing!”

One Amazon customer was so taken with the trainers that they returned to buy additional pairs, commenting: “I have bought these trainers before. I love them. Thank you for a perfect purchase with speedy delivery.”

John Lee, 37, attacked the dad in front of his horrified family

A motorist was knocked unconscious in an assault in a Welsh town. John Lee attacked his victim while he sat in his car in the Llanrwst area of Conwy on June 15, 2025.

Lee, 37, of Cae Tyddyn, Llanrwst, pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on Tuesday, April 21.

Prosecuting, Rabia Tariq said the victim was travelling with his wife and parents near Llanrwst when he pulled over to pick up some eggs from a shop before setting off again.

Click here to hear the latest from Manchester’s courts in our newsletter

However, he heard a loud beep and slammed on his brakes, believing something was wrong with his vehicle. Lee was in a car behind him, the court heard.

Lee then flung open his car door and shouted: “What are you doing?” before striking the victim, who lost consciousness. The victim’s wife also stated that Lee grabbed him and shook him, reports Wales Online.

She then stepped out of the car, and dashcam footage captured Lee arguing with her during the incident. The victim sustained a bruised eye socket, a grazed eyelid and “loss of consciousness”, Ms Tariq told the court.

It was “deeply concerning to him”, the victim said in a statement, adding the incident was “extremely aggressive and shocking”. He also said he has become more forgetful since the attack.

The court heard how the defendant’s children also witnessed the whole incident.

The court heard Lee had one conviction in 2005 for common assault for which he received a referral. In mitigation Richard Edwards said Lee had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and “bitterly regrets his actions”.

Advertisement

It was a “single, isolated, impulsive” incident, Mr Edwards said, adding that his client was in a stable family unit. He had been in the military, which was cut short due to injury and was now self-employed, working for a building firm in carpentry and joinery.

Lee had struggled with mental health and had set up a mental health football team to help others and himself, Mr Edwards said.

Sentencing Lee, Judge Nicola Jones said: “You put your head in the car door and punched him once rendering him unconscious. He had swelling and bruising and his family were present in the car, his parents were in the back seat.

“His wife was in the front seat. She got out and you didn’t just walk away, you started having a go at her, being verbally aggressive.”

Judge Jones sentenced Lee to eight months in prison suspended for 12 months. He must undertake 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and he must also pay £500 compensation and a statutory surcharge.

The Armagh defender plays his club football in Burren and was hoping to face Down in the Ulster SFC semi-final. Now he has his wish

In the space of a few days, Paddy Burns has gone from cheering on Down to plotting their demise.

The Armagh defender lives in Burren and plays his club football for St Mary’s after transferring from his native Forkhill in 2022.

After the Orchard County defeated Fermanagh by 11 points in Brewster Park, Burns admitted he’d rather face Down than Donegal in the Ulster semi-final. The following afternoon, after a seismic shock in Letterkenny, he got his wish.

“Listen, I’d love to see them win,” Burns said when asked if he’d be cheering on his Burren colleagues against Donegal.

“Last time we played down in Ulster a couple of years ago, it definitely got feisty between us. “So it would be a bit of craic and it would be a good laugh around the locality during the week but I’d be flying low.

“Living in Burren, it’s funny. I do say that to the boys sometimes that they hear plenty of chat about Armagh football and they’re going to the shop. It’s all talk about Armagh.

“I’m sort of sheltered away from it out there but when we play Down, it’s a different story. Everybody wants to talk about it. I’d be hoping that they win.”

Burns may feel differently after last weekend’s display by Conor Laverty’s men, especially as Down might need to reach the Ulster final to avoid a return to the Tailteann Cup.

The Orchard County have plenty to work on too, according to Burns, despite their relatively comfortable win over the Ernemen with Darragh McGurn’s brilliant 1-12 haul taking the gloss of Armagh’s victory.

However, as one of six survivors from the Armagh team that suffered a shock loss to Fermanagh in 2018, Burns was happy to get the job done.

“We will not get away with that – I can guarantee that it is not going to be a happy changing room,” said Burns.

“A win is a win, away from home, I was one of the players in 2018 who was shocked and laughed out the gate when we were beaten. So, coming to Brewster Park and winning is always nice after something like that.

“It will be good for the boys up there and their confidence that they got plenty of scores on the board, a couple of goals too, it always helps but I would say there will be a bit of focus on where we will need to improve.”

Kieran McGeeney revealed after the game that five players were ruled out on the eve of the Fermanagh game with Ben Crealey (broken ankle) and Callum O’Neill (shoulder) picking up serious injuries while Greg McCabe, Joe McElroy and Gareth Murphy all picked up knocks. With Rian O’Neill and Niall Grimley unavailable, Armagh’s resources around the middle third have been stretched.

On the plus side for McGeeney, Ciaran Mackin returned to action after recovering from a second ACL injury in two seasons.

“It has been a tough week in many ways with the injuries but the silver lining is to have those big names, who have been big players for us over the years, coming in,” added Burns.

“Even the likes of Daniel Magee, he played a lot of the McKenna Cup and he was a shoo-in for the League and he was training fantastically and he got a couple of bad injuries at a bad time and that is the difficulty of high level sport.

“When you get hurt someone is chomping at the bit to take advantage of it. It is not that anybody is wishing their teammates to get injured but as we said during the week, whenever it happens you will have to be ready and grab the opportunity, that is how ruthless it is and Ben Crealy would be the first man to say it. He would want somebody to step up.”

Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.

Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the latest sports news, headlines and top stories