Jordan back in Tyrone fold

Philip Jordan will push for a spot in the Tyrone team to face Monaghan in the Ulster Championship on Sunday, June 5, after recently returning to the panel.

Jordan had been notably absent from the Tyrone set-up over the opening weeks of the campaign, only featuring as a late substitute in their Allianz Football League clash with Kildare earlier this month.

He took some time out to get match fit and also again recently to consider whether he could give his commitment to the county side this summer.

In a timely boost for Tyrone manager Mickey Harte, the Moy clubman has decided to return to training and help the Red Hands challenge for Championship silverware.

"I told Mickey that I would be taking a bit of time in January and February in bid to clear up some groin and hip problems and that's what I did. I have to say I enjoyed the break," he told the Tyrone GAA website.

"We had always pencilled in a return to action somewhere close to the end of the league campaign and that's exactly what happened. I got ten minutes or so at the end of the Kildare match but the following day I told Mickey I needed a bit more time to consider whether or not I was ready to commit to the rest of the year. He was happy for me to have that time.

"I know that there are all sorts of stories going around. I hate to disappoint those people but there's been no row. It just came down to establishing whether or not I had the hunger for another Championship run."

The influential wing back, who turns 31 next Tuesday, helped Tyrone regain the Ulster title last summer and won a fourth All-Star award for his efforts. His other All-Star honours coincided with Tyrone's All-Ireland wins in 2003, 2005 and 2008.

"There's a serious amount of commitment needed to prepare for an Ulster Championship and an All-Ireland run if you're lucky enough to get that far," explained Jordan.

"It's not just about turning up to games and togging out. You need to be mentally prepared.

"I've been in contact with a few of the boys over the last couple of weeks but I can assure people that the final decision is my own. I'll be at training (on Thursday) and I'll be ready to work hard with the rest of the lads to win a place in the team for the Monaghan game."