Tyrone look set to welcome Cathal McShane back into their team for this year's championship.
The talented forward - who won an All-Star in 2019 - has been out of action since picking up an ankle injury in the early part of 2020.
He received the knock in an Allianz Football League game against Galway in February last year, which prevented any involvement for the remainder of the campaign.
McShane has yet to see action in 2021, but joint-manager Fergal Logan issued a positive update on his progress at a media briefing last night.
Tyrone are set to take on Ulster champions Cavan in their opening provincial game of 2021 on July 10th.
The Strabane Chronicle reports that Logan stated his hope that McShane will play a part in the coming months.
“Cathal is coming on very well and has full participation essentially.
"But because it’s such a long time off with Cathal, we’re just reintegrating him gently.
"We are hopeful for him that it all comes together."
Top scorer in the 2019 championship with a tally of 3-49 that saw him rewarded with an All-Star, McShane looked destined for a career in Australian Rules.
However, he eventually turned down an offer from AFL club Adelaide Crows.
Canavan concern
As he eyes a potential return, it looks as though another key forward may miss out.
Darragh Canavan is in a race against time to recover from an ankle injury sustained against Kerry in their league semi-final clash last week.
Canavan - who is a son of the legendary Peter - is an emerging talent for the county in the forward division.
“Darragh had an ankle injury which just innocently against Kerry which is going to keep him out for a few weeks," Logan said.
"But the early signs are good, even though it’s very painful.”
“It’s very unfortunate for him, but hopefully it’s a matter of weeks for him and not beyond that.
"It would be hopeful (if Canavan was available for the Cavan game) but we’ve just got to take it day by day and week by week in the meantime.
"He may be in difficulties for that match."
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