Watson rejects Antrim overtures

Watson was dropped from the Antrim hurling squad in July

Liam Watson has turned down a request from the Antrim hurling management to return to the county panel.

Watson, who is currently playing soccer for IFA Championship side Donegal Celtic, was approached by joint-boss Terence McNaughton.

Team liaison officer Jim Nelson also made overtures to Watson but the Loughgiel man says he is currently committed to Donegal Celtic.

Watson was dropped from the panel in the summer after playing a soccer game.

The Antrim team are jointly managed by McNaughton and Watson's fellow Loughgiel man Dominic McKinley.

"I have no problems with Sambo, Jim Nelson or the Antrim team," said Watson.

"But until there is a change to management, I will not be turning out for the county.

"I am not demanding change and I don't think there will be any for some time to come.

"I would like to return to play someday but until there is change I will not be involved.

"Anyway, I think it's a contradiction to be asking me to play again when I am clearly playing soccer for Donegal Celtic.

"The reason they (Antrim) gave for me being kicked off the panel was due to me playing a soccer game before the Galway match."

The Loughgiel man added that he is "enjoying" playing in the Irish League and is committed to Donegal Celtic until the end of the current soccer season.

Watson has recovered from a broken jaw sustained in September and will feature in Saturday's Championship game against Limavady United.