CUP COUNTDOWN: Pages 54-57

and just handling that process. “Rehabbing, as much as it’s physical, it’s mental. I have a great support system, a great family at home, a great wife who stuck with me through that.

“Whenever I step off the field now and I’m 100%, that’s what I think of first before anything else and I’m just grateful for that.”

Ulster name their team to take on the Tigers this afternoon and are hoping to be boosted by returns to the squad for the likes of Jordi Murphy, Craig Gilroy and Will Addison while Marty Moore could debut. TYRONE’S ambitions of lifting the Ulster title this year may have been shredded by Monaghan at the quarter-final stage, but manager Mickey Harte can take a degree of comfort from last night’s 2019 Championship draw which saw his side paired with Derry in the preliminary round, with the winners due to meet Antrim in the quarter-finals.

But at the same time, Harte (below) is certain to view Donegal and Monaghan as major obstacles to his team’s chances of regaining the provincial trophy.

Monaghan have been drawn against neighbours Cavan in the quarter-finals while Donegal will confront Fermanagh in what will be a repeat of this year’s Ulster final.

And if these ties hold allure, then the confrontation of neighbours Armagh and Down will certainly create huge excitement, with new Mourne boss Paddy Tally anxious to make his mark in the Championship.

With the winners of Cavan and Monaghan due to meet Armagh or Down in the semi-finals, this will add spice to the competition.

The other semi-final will see Fermanagh or Donegal take on Antrim or Tyrone or Derry and, even at this juncture, a Donegal v Tyrone shoot-out looks a distinct possibility.

ROAD TO ULSTER GLORY: Page 53