Mickey Harte's All-Ireland champions Tyrone hope to retain their title by going through the back door and Down are the first obstacle they must overcome at Newry today.

All-Ireland champions Tyrone have dropped netminder John Devine in favour of his understudy Pascal McConnell for the all-Ulster football qualifier tie with Down at Newry tomorrow.

Tyrone boss Mickey Harte has named young county star Ryan Mellon at wing-forward to face Galway in Sunday's NFL clash with Galway.