Fermanagh Premier manager Darren Higginbotham has named his 18 man squad for this summer’s Super Cup NI.
The competition runs from July 24-29 and Higginbotham is now keen to get down to work with his finalised squad.
He admits though that it was difficult to get it down to 18.
“Cutting players is always tough and when you are looking at the last few you are splitting hairs between players. We started out in January with trials so some of the players have been with us since then and to then tell them they haven’t made it is not easy but unfortunately it comes with the job,” he said.
However, Higginbotham is believed with the blend he has in the squad.
“They are all very good players so we’re happy with what we have selected and we feel we have the right mix and combination of players,” he commented.
And the work in earnest will now begin for the squad as they get down to preparations for the competition.
“We have 11 weeks to the tournament and we will have a six to eight week block where we will get the physical work and ball work done. We will be going three days a week with two training sessions and then a match. The closer we get to the tournament we will then work on set pieces and things like that,” said Higginbotham.
Fermanagh will take part in the Orchard Cup and their own Gary Bownes Cup with Higginbotham eager to get plenty of game time for his players.
“We will play those two tournaments but the aim will also be to have a game every Saturday. You can do as much as you like on the training pitch but nothing is as good as playing games. It is important to have as many games as possible between now and the tournament,” he stated.

Fermanagh Super Cup Premier Squad
Goalkeepers - Josh Brownlee, Ollie Scallon. Defenders - Seanie Mahon, Alex Holder, Johnny Cassidy, Eoin Beacom, Ronan Beattie, Connor Rippey. Midfielders - Matthew Dixon, Josh McKenna, Jake Irvine, Jacob Britton, Scott Johnston, Simon Warrington, Niall Owens. Forwards - Caolan Ward, Patrick Cassidy, Brandon Horan.