The Championship

There have been no changes to either the Donegal or the Tyrone teams ahead of today’s Ulster-semi-final, but Mickey Harte might have a few surprises up his sleeve.

The Red Handers go into this afternoon’s clash in the strange position of underdogs and will be seeking to avenge a disappointing defeat at the hands of the same opposition at the same stage last year.

Jim McGuinness’ side are so fit and so organised that it will take a damn good side to beat them, but Mickey Harte might have an ace up his sleeve in the guise of Brian McGuigan, who is expected to feature from the bench at some stage.

McGuigan, one of the most stylish and effective forwards in the game in modern times, dropped out of the panel at the beginning of the year, but was persuaded to return by Mickey Harte after the loss of the likes of Sean Cavanagh and Kyle Coney to injury.

According to a report in the Belfast Telegraph today, McGuigan is expected to be sprung from the bench at some stage, while there are also rumours that Ryan ‘Ricey’ McMenamin will start at full back instead of Justin McMahon, who was a big injury doubt coming into the game. If he does, expect fireworks at the edge of the square at some stage.

The report goes on to claim that Harte mightn’t be the only man with a few surprises in store as the rumour mill from Donegal is claiming that Rory Kavanagh could be included at the expense of Eamon McGee after fully recovering from an injury that has hampered his season to date.

The gossip adds another layer of intrigue and excitement to what promises to be a cracker in Clones today, so let’s hope it can live up to the hype.

Throw in at Clones is 4.30pm. We can’t wait.