Age: 27

Position: Centre back

Debut: 1992 Ulster first round v Down

Championship Appearances: 15

Scored: 0-1 Honours: Ulster SFC 1 (1999); Ireland v Australia (1998).

Background: A physically strong competitor - one of the hardest hitters in the game according to Armagh joint-manager Brian Canavan - McGeeney came onto the senior championship team in 1992 against then All-Ireland champions Down. Although he spent some of his early career in the forwards he is now acknowledged as one of the best centre backs in the country. Last year he captained Ulster to the Railway Cup and was a member of the Ireland Test side in the International Rules series against Australia. An administrator with the Irish Sports Council, he has moved to Dublin and transferred from his home club Mullabawn to Na Fianna in Glasnevin.

Strengths: He is very strong and blocks up the middle, but is also a good man-marker. In the Ulster final he followed Shane Mulholland around the field - which contrasts with how Jonathan McGee marked Giles in the Leinster final. He has a good understanding with his midfield and Jarlath Burns slotted back when Kieran went off up the field. His understanding with the rest of his defence is also good. Armagh play it short out of defence through the half-back line and he organises the whole defence. He has had a good championship and as well as taking care of Mulholland the last day, he was Man of the Match in the semi-final with Derry and won a vital ball at the end of the game. He was adventurous in the Ulster final, but only within the tactical framework and there were no gaps left behind him.

Weaknesses: There aren't that many, but his temperament is sometimes questioned and he was booked early on in the Ulster final. In the cauldron atmosphere of Croke Park tomorrow that's something he'll have to watch because temperament is crucially important on big days. He has just one booking this year so the problem hasn't been serious, but he's a typically passionate Armagh player and will need to be careful not to get carried away. He's a left-footed kicker and a bit one-sided, which can be restrictive especially when meeting a player who can kick off both sides. So far his midfield has been doing well. How he'd cope if that doesn't happen we'll have to wait and see.

Head-To-Head: This will be be a contest between McGeeney's strength and passion and Giles's subtlety and calmness. It will possible be influenced by who's winning the midfield battle. If Giles is getting a better supply it will influence decisively in Meath's favour. The only centre back I ever saw playing well when his midfield was beaten was Kevin Moran in 1978. This is the hardest test McGeeney has had all year and if he can handle it, he will have proved himself a really good centre back. But I tend towards Giles because I don't see Armagh's midfield diamond exerting enough pressure to disrupt Meath.