Kieran McGeeney says Armagh need to lift their game

Skipper Kieran McGeeney has called on his Armagh team-mates to respond positively to Sunday's Allianz National League defeat to Galway.

The Orchard County were beaten 1-17 to 1-14 - their second NFL defeat in succession after starting the campaign with four wins on the bounce.

McGeeney said individuals had to look at their own performances but insisted the alarm bells were not ringing just yet.

"I do not like losing, it does not sit easy with me," said the man who lifted the Sam Maguire trophy at Croke Park last September.

"But you either cry about it or do something about it.

"The result has brought it home to us that we have a lot of hard work ahead. It is back to the grindstone."

Armagh begin the defence of the Bank of Ireland Ulster Championship with a preliminary round tie against Monaghan at Clones on 11 May.

"We have to be more consistent if we are to compete with Monaghan," said McGeeney, the 2002 GAA player of the year.

"We have lost two now, albeit to good opposition.

"But it is not a matter of pressing the panic button.

"There are individuals who have to look at their own performances. That includes myself, I have to correct my own game.

"But it is good to have the opportunity at this time to do it at this time of year.

"You are better learning lessons in March and April rather than June of July."