Tyrone have been dealt a blow ahead of the beginning of the Allianz National League with the news that influential defender Padraig Hampsey is set to miss the opening rounds due to injury.
The former Allstar and 2021 All Ireland-winning Captain had surgery on his shoulder before Christmas and is set for a spell on the sidelines.
The Coalisland clubman damaged his shoulder back in August only 10 minutes into a league game against Galbally and while he featured as a substitute a couple of weeks later in their championship defeat to neighbours Clonoe the problem still persisted.
Hampsey has been a key figure in defence for Tyrone since making his senior debut and no doubt new Red Hands manager Malachy O’Rourke will be hoping that he will be available again sooner rather than later.
Tyrone open their campaign against neighbours Derry at Healy Park on January 25 and a week later another mouthwatering clash is on the cards when they travel to play All- Ireland champions Armagh.
A trip to Mayo and a home game against Kerry are also on the agenda in February in what promises to be another fiercely contested Division one campaign.
On the plus side of things two-time Allstar Mattie Donnelly, another former captain, returned to training last week for the first time this season. He hadn’t played since Trillick’s narrow defeat to Errigal Ciaran in the Tyrone championship final and it’s a timely boost to have such an experienced player back.
In the last two weeks Tyrone have warmed up for the start of the league with friendly wins over Monaghan and Meath as they attempt to familiarise themselves with the new rules.
