This time last year, Armagh were picking their way through the All Ireland qualifiers having been knocked out of Ulster at the first hurdle by Cavan.

But there are signs of a resurrection in 2014 as the Orchard County prepare to take on Monaghan in an Ulster Championship semi-final replay.

With Armagh one step away from a first Ulster final since 2008, we were joined on the line by the county's former forward and All Ireland winner Oisin McConville to talk about the improvements made since 2013.

McConville has been impressed by the defensive organisation exhibited by Armagh in the weekend match against reigning provincial champions Monaghan as both sides battled to a 0-14 to 0-14 draw.

"I suppose when you weigh it up, one thing I felt about Monaghan, having watched them against Tyrone, was defenisvely again they are very well organized. In the middle of the field they won their fair share of ball. But up front they are very reliant on McManus and Hughes and if they are not getting scores, it's hard to see where Monaghan get the rest of their scores from. Armagh tied both of those boys fairly well last week and hence ended up getting a draw."

But McConville also believes confidence will be key for this relatively young Armagh side as they try to establish themselves within the second tier of senior county teams after a "naive" and "inept" showing in 2013.

He also feels that the blanket defence is a bit of a leveler but bemoaned the absence of Caolan Rafferty who has the capability of linking the tighter defence with the Armagh attack.

McConville also touched on media bans and described them as "nonsense" and added that the media will normally react to events such as the pre-game fight between Cavan and Armagh.

Listen to the full interview via the podcast above.