Sport

Logan: Keeping Tyrone in top flight was key goal for first year in charge

Tyrone's Allstar forward Cathal McShane could see some game-time in Saturday's Allianz League semi-final in Killarney but manager Feargal Logan insists his recovery from injury will be managed carefully Picture: Philip Walsh
Tyrone's Allstar forward Cathal McShane could see some game-time in Saturday's Allianz League semi-final in Killarney but manager Feargal Logan insists his recovery from injury will be managed carefully Picture: Philip Walsh Tyrone's Allstar forward Cathal McShane could see some game-time in Saturday's Allianz League semi-final in Killarney but manager Feargal Logan insists his recovery from injury will be managed carefully Picture: Philip Walsh

COMING in as a new management team in the most difficult of circumstances, with their efforts impacted by the pandemic, Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher had one key objective – to keep Tyrone in the top grade.

After their opening day defeat to Donegal, they followed up a five-point win over Armagh at the Athletic Grounds with a draw with Monaghan in Omagh which was enough to preserve their top flight status and set up a semi-final clash with Kerry in Killarney tomorrow.

However, although that was one goal crossed off, Logan still believes there is more to come from his Tyrone team.

“It’s critical. As a starting point this year, one of our key objectives was to stay in Division One," said Logan.

“We just made it by the skin of our teeth, but were there and we’re happy to be there, and very happy to be heading to Killarney to play Kerry in what should be a good contest.”

The next major challenge is the Championship and an opener against Ulster champions Cavan on July 10.

Preparation is everything, and competitive football is the perfect means of fine-tuning a team in readiness for elite knock-out action.

To that end, Logan would love to secure a League final appearance, but for that to happen, a Tyrone win in Killarney would have to be paired with a Dublin victory over Donegal in the other semi-final.

“There’s no substitute for competitive football, and if we can get two games it would be excellent.

“But we start with this one, and it’s knock-out stuff, and let’s see who’s still standing in Killarney at the end of the night.

“I know it is strange that a competition is run where there may not be a final, but let’s hope that there is a final.”

Allstar full-forward Cathal McShane is a doubt for the clash with the Kingdom.

Complications in his recovery from a serious ankle injury have ruled him out of all three League games to date, and he will only be risked in Killarney of he is one hundred per cent ready.

“Cathal is coming on very, very well, and he is putting himself in the mix every night in training, so let’s just see what happens,” said Logan.

“It’s been a very long-standing injury, and we have to be careful how we introduce him.”