Mixed news for Harte as Tyrone gear-up for Donegal

TYRONE attacker Ryan Mellon has been cleared to play in the Ulster SFC semi-final against Donegal on Sunday week.

Mellon received a four-week suspension following his straight red card in a club game 10 days ago. But the ban is restricted to club football, and doesn’t apply to the inter-county game.

Gerard Cavlan also received a straight red card. His case is to be dealt with by the county’s disciplinary committee this week.

But it’s not all good news for manager Mickey Harte. Serious injuries to rising stars Niall Gormley and Tommy McGuigan has ruled both players our of the glamour tie.

Gormley had his jaw broken in two places while playing club football for Trillick against Derrylaughan in a league game, while McGuigan broke a bone in his wrist while in action for Ardboe against Galbally. McGuigan replaced older brother Brian at centre forward and scored three excellent points.

The double setback comes just when manager Harte thought his side was nearing full strength for the first time in nearly two years. Joe McMahon and Stephen O’Neill are available again after missing the quarter-final through injury, while Owen Mulligan, who made a late substitute appearance in that game, has also regained full fitness.