O’Neill unlikely to start Ulster decider

THIS may yet turn out to be the year of the underdog in the provincial championships and Monaghan’s chances of ‘doing a Sligo’ in Sunday’s Ulster final seemed to soar yesterday after Stephen O’Neill’s claim that he doesn’t expect to start the game in Clones.

The Clann na nGael All-Star has played no part in Tyrone’s championship, missing out on the earlier defeats of Fermanagh and Donegal thanks to a combination of hamstring and tendonitis complaints.

O’Neill’s recovery is practically complete but a full 70 minutes may be beyond him.