Tyrone seek new talent

Michael McGee is training with the Tyrone squad

Tyrone managers Art McCrory and Eugene McKenna are using the month of January to seek out new talent within the county.

The Tyrone bosses have asked a number of promising players to link up with the county panel for the short-term at least.

These include previous panellists Brian McGuckin and Michael McGee who were not part of last year's Ulster Championship-winning squad.

Newcomers to the county training include Brackaville pair Paul Rouse and Martin Earley, Donaghmore forward Seamus Mulgrew and Dungannon's Paul Coulter.

Tyrone had their first training session of the new year on Sunday.

Martin Earley is a marvellous footballer

Art McCrory

The county panel didn't train at all during the autumn although Art McCrory jokes that the management "incited the players to do a bit on their own".

"The opportunity to look at new fellows is going to be pretty limited given that the National League starts in February.

"It's going to be difficult enough for new lads to get up to speed," added McCrory.

McCrory acknowledged that Tyrone's continuing search for a midfield "Hercules" remains top of the county's wish-list.

Physically, Brackaville's Paul Rouse looks to have the attributes although it remains to be seen whether he will be around come the summer.

Judging by Art McCrory's comments, Rouse's Brackaville clubmate Martin Earley may have the best chance of making a major impact this year.

Art McCrory is looking at some new players

"He's a marvellous footballer and we're glad to have him back again after he spent the last couple of years at college in England".

Bar Ciaran McBride who has announced his retirement from intercounty football, McCrory doesn't expect any departures from the county squad.

Pascal Canavan has not resumed training yet following a recent addition to his family but he is expected to return soon.

Twenty-nine-year-old McBride played only a minor role for the Red Hand county in recent seasons.

The Omagh player had only 10 minutes of Championship action last season and he told the Irish News that he saw little further opportunity in the future.

"I don't think there's a place for me on the team or the squad," said McBride.

Despite that, McBride insisted that he had no bitterness towards the joint-managers.

Art and Eugene took a huge gamble on me in 1995 in the Ulster Final

Ciaran McBride

"As your team moves on and progresses, obviously I'm not a part of that and rather than make life difficult for Art and Eugene, I've bowed out gracefully.

"I've had good long years with Art. Him and Eugene McKenna both gave me a chance when others wouldn't have.

"They took a huge gamble on me in 1995 in the Ulster Final".

McBride will continue to play club football.

Meanwhile, Kieran McGeeney will remain as Armagh captain for the 2002 season.

Additions to Joe Kernan's Armagh panel include Crossmaglen trio John Donaldson, Francie Bellew and Colm O'Neill.