Tyrone star Cassidy to miss entire Championship

Talented midfielder Aidan Cassidy is unlikely to return for Tyrone's Championship campaign, with a broken ankle ruling him out until September at the earliest.

Cassidy sustained the injury when playing for Augher in a recent club game against Loughmacrory. The 24-year-old featured prominently for Tyrone during the National League when he was arguably the Red Hands' best player.

It is a bitter blow for him as he had to sit out last year's Championship with an injury to his other ankle.

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte told the Irish News: "We would have to be doing well and Aidan would have to be doing very well, if he was back before the season's over.

"I hope that is the case - but that's only a hope. I was talking to one of the physios last night and he said it was a four-month thing.

"But it's going to be three months before he's able to do much, so you're talking maybe another month before he's able to play. That rules out a lot of the season."

Tyrone kickstarted their Championship run last Sunday with a 2-14 to 1-13 victory over Antrim.

Harte's men are preparing for an Ulster semi-final on Saturday, June 19 against either Donegal or Down who meet this Sunday.