Harte: O'Neill will be in squad

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte has insisted that Stephen O'Neill is very much in contention to play against Kerry in Sunday's GAA Football All-Ireland Senior final at Croke Park.

There was widespread astonishment when O'Neill's name was missing from Tyrone's matchday squad when it was announced this afternoon.

The Clann na nGael clubman, such a vital presence in the Red Hands side that won the 2005 All-Ireland championship, was not even listed amongst the substitutes.

It had been anticipated that O'Neill would make the 30-man panel.

Regaining full fitness after a cruel run of luck with injuries, he came out of retirement two weeks ago and is reportedly showing excellent form at training.

So the absence of the 2005 Footballer of the Year from the squad list for the final was a major surprise.

But explaining that he had been forced to name just 30 players due to space restrictions in the All-Ireland final programme, Harte insisted tonight that O'Neill is definitely in his selection thoughts.

"Only 30 names could be submitted for the match programme but Stephen will be available and is very much part of the squad for Sunday," the Tyrone boss told the BBC.

"He is a quality player and will be in action in the not too distant future.

"Stephen will be part of the team list on Sunday, his fitness levels are very high and Tyrone fans will see him in action very soon."

It remains unclear whether O'Neill will start the showpiece final but Harte has made one definite change to the team that saw off Wexford at the semi-final stage.

Brian McGuigan will start at centre-forward having edged out Martin Penrose for a place in the Red Hands' attack.