Jamie Clarke will be available for most of Armagh's 2013 season

Jamie Clarke

Armagh gaelic footballer Jamie Clarke has told the BBC that he will be available for the county team in 2013.

Clarke says he intends to take short break from football once Crossmaglen's involvement in the All-Ireland club championship comes to an end.

However, he hopes to be available for the latter stages of the Allianz Football League and the Championship.

Clarke and the Armagh manager Paul Grimley are likely to hold discussions over the Christmas period.

Armagh will open their Ulster championship campaign with a preliminary round game away to Cavan on 19 May.

Clarke intends to do some travelling in 2013 but this is likely to be of shorter duration that initially believed.

Grimley has already announced a number of changes to his squad for next year.

New boss Grimley dropped 14 players in a clear-out of the 2012 championship panel.

The players to make way include 2003 All-Ireland finalist Andy Mallon, Malachy Mackin, Micheal O'Rourke, Billy Joe Padden and Anto Duffy.

Grimley has brought in 12 new players, including Crossmaglen Rangers pair Paul McKeown and Stephen Finnegan.

Grimley took over from Paddy O'Rourke in July after Armagh's surprise qualifier defeat by Roscommon.