Harte keen on keeping Cavanagh

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte has urged star midfielder Sean Cavanagh to keep his mind on Gaelic football when he ventures Down Under next month with Ireland's International Rules squad.

Moy clubman Cavanagh, who collected his second All-Ireland winners' medal with Tyrone last Sunday, is expected to be named in Pete McGrath's travelling squad for the Rules Series on Monday.

Cavanagh scored nine points for Ireland in last year's series, in what was his first senior experience of the hybrid game.

During the summer, the 22-year-old had some unnecessary speculation - linking him with a move to Aussie Rules side Brisbane - heaped upon him, and Harte is wary of any further approaches to the two-time All-star.

Harte said: "If I had my way he wouldn't ever be going on the Rules trip but you have to allow men take that experience if they want.

"I don't have much time for the hybrid game - I won't call it nonsense. But I think he would be so much better putting all his efforts into Gaelic football."

Cavanagh last week admitted of his proposed link-up with the Brisbane Lions: "I have more or less left it with the Brisbane guys. I told them to get back to me after the All Ireland final.

"I also informed them that it would be November before I made my mind up."