TYRONE'S Darragh Canavan is a serious doubt for the Ulster SFC opener, but former Allstar full forward Cathal McShane could make his first appearance of the season against defending champions Cavan.
Ankle injuries are the issues affecting both men, Canavan’s a knock picked up in the early stages of the heavy NFL semi-final defeat to Kerry earlier this month.
McShane’s problem is much more long-standing, and he has struggled with setbacks in rehab from the injury he suffered in February 2020 during a League clash with Galway at Tuam.
But joint manager Feargal Logan is hopeful that the Owen Roes man can make his first appearance in more than a year when they take on the Breffnimen on July 10.
“Cathal is coming on very well and has full participation essentially,” said Logan.
“Because it’s such a long time off with Cathal, we’re just re-integrating him gently here, but he is participating well. We are hopeful for him that it all comes together.”
Logan has concerns, however, over Canavan’s prospects of leading the attack at Healy Park next month.
“It’s very unfortunate for Darragh, but hopefully it’s a matter of weeks for him and not beyond that,” he said.
“It would be hopeful, but we’ve just got to take it day by day and week by week in the meantime, but he may be in difficulties for that match.
“Darragh had an ankle injury which just innocently happened in the Kerry game, and it’s going to keep him out for a few weeks. But the early signs are good, even though it’s a very painful injury, a debilitating injury.”
Logan suggested that opportunities exist for players from outside the squad to come in if they can prove their worth, but that may not happen before the end of this year’s Championship.
“Anybody that’s performing in any arena around Tyrone, we need the best performers on the field every given day, so nothing is open and nothing is closed on any Tyrone panel at any time, and it has been that way in so far as I ever remember it.
“We will obviously get a good look around all the clubs once the club season kicks in proper and the Championship, whenever it comes around Tyrone.
“So there’s always opportunities for people who are going well.”