EVEN GUEST speaker Alex Ferguson couldn’t help but smile when James Sandford stood alongside him in the Mansion House yesterday, remarking with a smile that the 6ft 5 inch UUJ student “might do a job” for him in the centre of the Manchester United defence!

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte has handed Philip Jordan his first appearance of the National League campaign as the Red Hands travel to Mullingar to face Leinster champions Westmeath in Division 1A today.

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte has handed Philip Jordan his first appearance of the National League campaign as the Red Hands travel to Mullingar to face Leinster champions Westmeath on Sunday.

Tyrone 1-11 Mayo 0-16

Tyrone remain unbeaten in 2005 and have already picked up their first piece of silverware this year, but high-flying Offaly will provide a stern test for Mickey Harte's men in Division 1A of the National Football League.

The Dr McKenna Cup gets underway today, with 12 Ulster sides getting their first taste of 2005 action.

Eoin Bradley is set to make his senior debut for Tyrone in Sunday's Dr McKenna Cup opening clash against Cavan at Breffni Park.

ADRIAN FENLON has given new Wexford manager Seamus Murphy a Christmas boost - by making himself available for next year’s campaign.

Former AllStar nominee Brian Robinson has been dropped from Mickey Harte's 30-man Tyrone football panel.

TYRONE defender Ciaran Gourley is doubtful for the All-Ireland football final, after damaging a shoulder in training. There were fears the corner-back had dislocated the shoulder, but manager Mickey Harte yesterday issued more encouraging information.

Patience and self-belief were the virtues that accounted for Italy and will stand Ireland in good stead for the World Cup.

All-Ireland football champions Armagh have secured nine nominations for this year's All-Star awards.

Sligo 1-14 Tyrone 0-12

Tyrone's attacking flair brought a first ever national title to the county when they destroyed Cavan in a one-sided Allianz National Football League final at Clones.

Tyrone are through to the Divison 1 final of the Allianz National Football league after a 10-point drubbing of Mayo in a one-sided affair at Enniskillen.

The quick thinking of Peter Canavan in the eighth minute led to Tyrone's only goal at Ballinasloe today when they became the first team to topple the All Ireland champions with a two-point win played in torrential rain.

Tyrone have named four newcomers in their team to face Roscommon in the opening game of the Alliance national football league this weekend.