Fermanagh defender Michael Jones says he is happy to be making up for lost time after returning to the Erne squad for the 2015 season.

Jones is in contention for a starting spot in Pete McGrath’s side when they take on Louth in the opening game of their NFL Division Three campaign on Saturday evening under the lights at Brewster Park. And he states that he is enjoying being back involved.

“I’m really enjoying being back with the county team. The McKenna Cup was a success in my eyes even though we lost to Cavan in the semi-final. We showed that we can compete with the best teams and if we can just turn more possession into scores then we are in the right road.” The semi-final defeat to Cavan was a hard one to swallow for Fermanagh with mistakes at both ends late on resulting in goals as Fermanagh went down by a point.

“It was hard to take as we created so many chances in front of goal,” said Jones. “ We are keeping sides to low scores but we have plenty to work on for the start of the league, two wins is a must against Louth and Sligo before the short break and we know Louth at Brewster Park is a game that we must be get off to a good start in.” The 27 year old plasterer is due to get married this August and with that there is plenty to keep him occupied, but for now the Derrygonnelly defender is concentrating on the battle to get a starting place in the Erne side.

“The competition for places this year is terrific and training has huge intensity with positions up for grabs. Myself and the likes of Eamon McHugh, Niall Cassidy, Conor Quigley and more are really battling it out for just two positions. New players such as James Allen, who got man of the match against Derry, and James McMahon have put in some great shifts in defence and it’s great to see players like that coming up through the ranks.” Jones’ last taste of Fermanagh before this year was back in 2012 when Cavan were to score an astonishing three goals in eight second half minutes to knock then manager Peter Canavan’s Fermanagh out 3-13 to 0-15 in the All Ireland Qualifiers. Jones has now seen Pete McGrath up close and has nothing but praise for the Down legend.

“The management team are so well organised and training is well looked after. I knew very little about Pete (McGrath) when I came in but since I have been introduced to the squad I have nothing but praise for him.

“All of the players are pushing in the same direction and everyone knows what is expected of them. Everything about the squad has been excellent,” he said.

The Harps player who has excelled for his club over the past number of seasons, concludes that Fermanagh will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of a good league campaign.

“We all want to be successful and we all want promotion. The Antrim game is still in the distance and for now we need to be starting a winning run on Saturday evening against Louth.”