HANDS UP FOR DOPING TESTS

TYRONE boss Mickey Harte reckons if every county is drug-tested like his squad, then there’s no need for concern. In the wake of Kerry footballer Brendan O’sullivan’s positive test for a banned substance, Harte stated: “We are tested three or four times a year. “So if every county is tested to that extent, well that would be pretty diligent for all counties – I am not sure that is the case, but we would expect it three, four times a year and we have got that over the last few years.” Harte last night confirmed Tyrone team doctor Damian O’donnell has the players “well warned” about the dangers of taking any common medicines. “He is very diligent in that particular area and has absolutely always warned the players ‘do not take anything until you run it past me number one and until I check it’s batch tested’. “He has them wellwarned all the tme. That’s the standard that prevails here and that’s been a success for us and I hope it continues that way.” Ronan Mcnabb has been ruled out of Tyrone’s Ulster semi-final clash with Donegal on Sunday week with an ankle injury. But Harte is pleased to have experienced defenders Justin Mcmahon and Cathal Mccarron available – especially given the quality of the opposition. The key duo missed the first round win over Derry with quad and hamstring injuries respectively. “It’s always good to have players who’ve been there and done it available, that is true,” said Harte. “You just hope that the injuries they have had doesn’t take away from what they can offer.”

We’d expect it three or four times a year

VIGILANT Tyrone boss at press conference last night