BY ALAN RODGERS

A.RODGERS@GAELICLIFE.COM

FANS treated to the Tyrone glory years may now have to lower their expectations as the county settles into a new reality ahead of this year's Ulster Championship.

Earlier this season former star Damien O'Hagan forecast that survival would be the key target in the National League for Mickey Harte and his players. And, on Sunday that aim should be achieved when they host Mayo in Omagh.

But it's the bigger picture of Tyrone's championship prospects which is currently demanding attention. And, the Coalisland man says the rebuilding process will probably mean that another Sam Maguire is out of reach at the moment.

"The expectations of fans are always going to be high especially when you've got a lot of youth success. But I think those players haven't come through as quickly as some might have hoped," he said.

"We will be going into the Ulster Championship knowing that every game is going to be a battle. However, I think Tyrone can win the title and the more games we get the better.

"It's crucial that Brian McGuigan gets as much gametime as possible. More matches will also help the likes of Raymond Mulgrew develop into full-fledged county players.

"What people also have to realise is that the team's prospects have been badly hit by injuries and retirements. This has all led to us going back into the pack of Ulster football," he added.

A defeat by Derry last weekend appears to have highlighted the current difficulties facing the two-times All-Ireland Champions this decade. The retirements of Peter Canavan and Stephen O'Neill, as well as the long-term injuries to Brian McGuigan and Brian Dooher have severely depleted their resources.

It is hardly surprising, then, that many believe the county is no longer in the top group. However, the future might not be as bleak as some might think according to Damien O'Hagan.

"Despite all the difficulties I still believe that we're good enough to win the Ulster title. But I wouldn't put money on us winning the All-Ireland," he added.

"Quality players are very hard to come by and extremely difficult to replace. What's happening in Tyrone at the moment is that we're hoping that some of the younger boys from the past few years will come to the fore and bring us back to the top.

"For now the likes of Derry and Donegal appear to be that little bit better equipped to challenge. But I'd still be confident that Tyrone can get back up there sooner rather than later.

"Obviously you have to be cautious where our prospects are concerned at the moment. But you also have to remember that the ocunty has won the last two Hogan Cups, Tyrone are Ulster Minor champions with a good chance of doing well this year, so there's a new group of players who should come forward in the next few years," he added.

In the meantime, a draw or win over Mayo on Sunday would secure that Division One place and perhaps provide a launching pad for a return to the highs of the past few years.