Harte experiments for McKenna Cup opener

Tyrone will boast just four of their All-Ireland final-winning side in their starting XV for Sunday's Dr McKenna Cup opener against Down (Omagh, 2pm).

Red Hands manager Mickey Harte has Ryan McMenamin, Davy Harte, Sean Cavanagh and Owen Mulligan back from September's victory against Kerry.

The rest of the side is not lacking in experience - Ciaran Gourley returns in defence after a lengthy injury lay-off, while John Devine - Tyrone's goalkeeper for the 2003 All-Ireland decider - takes the number 1 jersey from Pascal McConnell.

In all, Harte has called on nine newcomers, mostly from Tyrone's All-Ireland Under-21 winning sides of recent years. Former underage stars Adrian Ball, Colm Donnelly and Raymond Mulgrew are amongst the new inclusions.

Tyrone, who also take on Section A rivals St Mary's and Donegal this month, are chasing their third McKenna Cup title in a row.

TYRONE (v Down): J Devine, R McMenamin, C McGinley, E Bradley, A Ball, C Gourley, D Harte, B Meenan, C Holmes, R Mulgrew, C Donnelly, S Cavanagh, A McCarron, M Penrose, O Mulligan.