Tyrone’s full-forward Cathal McShane has suffered a setback in his recovery from a serious ankle injury and will miss the remainder of the Championship.
McShane sustained the injury during the National Football League against Galway at Tuam in February.
His injury capped a miserable day for the Red Hands as they slumped to the heaviest defeat of manager Mickey Harte’s 17-year tenure.
The setback involving McShane is the latest worry for Tyrone after injuries to Frank Burns, Padraig Hampsey and Ronan O’Neill in club games in recent weeks.
McShane was expected to be side-lined for Tyrone’s Ulster Championship first-round meeting with Donegal in Ballybofey.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic bought the 24-year old time to rehabilitate and recover during lockdown.
McShane recovered from surgery and was stated that he would be fit for the new date for the provincial series opener on 31 October.
However, his rehabilitation has not gone as well as hoped, and he will not play again this season.
McShane tweeted: "Behind every setback is an opportunity’. 2020 has been a frustrating year for sure, however always staying positive! I will be doing everything possible to make sure I come back stronger."
“Behind every set back is an opportunity” 2020 has been frustrating year for sure however always staying positive! I will be doing everything possible to make sure I come back stronger 💚❤️ - 🇵🇱 #nostoneunturned pic.twitter.com/gZotfLSo4a
— CATHAL MCSHANE (@CathalMcShane1) August 7, 2020
Though the Owen Roes man has not taken part in any club matches or training, McShane will still be a big loss to the Red Hands having been last year's championship top-scorer with 3-49 before they bowed out in the All-Ireland semi-final against eventual runners-up Kerry.
In February, he decided against taking up an offer to join Aussie Rules outfit Adelaide Crows after much media coverage criticism over high profiled GAA players leaving Ireland and Gaelic Games to take up professional sport abroad.
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