Football

Tyrone's versatile Padraig Hampsey set to sit out start of Allianz League

Tyrone's Padraig Hampsey has ruled himself out of playing in the first round (or two) of the Allianz Football League.<br /> Pic Philip Walsh
Tyrone's Padraig Hampsey has ruled himself out of playing in the first round (or two) of the Allianz Football League.
Pic Philip Walsh
Tyrone's Padraig Hampsey has ruled himself out of playing in the first round (or two) of the Allianz Football League.
Pic Philip Walsh

TYRONE will be without at least one of their current Allstars for their League opener in Kerry as Padraig Hampsey continues his recovery from a groin problem.

The Coalisland clubman took no part as the Red Hands regained the Dr McKenna Cup and although he plans to travel down to Killarney with the squad it will be several weeks before he returns to playing action.

“I’m just carrying a bit of a knock,” explained the 24-year-old. “I had a bit of bother throughout the club championship with my groin and stuff like that but it’s starting to clear up. Hopefully now within the next two to three weeks I’ll be back on the pitch.”

Hampsey has been using a hi-tech anti-gravity treadmill at Tyrone’s training centre in Garvaghey to aid his recovery. “I had no operation, just had an injection. I was on the Alter-G there for a few weeks, using it, and hopefully I’ll get the go-ahead to get back to training.

“You don’t have to run at your full body weight, you can work at different percentages, building up until you’re pain-free and then you’re back on the pitch. It’s a good bit of equipment.”

Tyrone travel to the Kingdom this weekend, then host Mayo on February 3 before a trip to Roscommon a week after that.

Monaghan come to Healy Park on Saturday February 23 but Hampsey insisted he isn’t setting his sights on any specific game to return in – and points out that it won’t be his choice anyway:

“It’ll just be whenever I feel good. Louis O’Connor and Michael Harte [Tyrone’s physios], they’ll decide when I’m good to go.

“I’ll be trying to get back on the pitch as soon as possible, maybe this week, if not then next week, and then take it from there.

“There’s plenty of competition [for places] and I’ll not be saying I’ll be just taking some lad’s place – if you’re playing well under Mickey Harte, you’re going to be keeping your place”.