By Alan Rodgers

a.rodgers@gaeliclife.com

RETURNING Tyrone star Brian McGuigan has spoken to Gaelic Life about his eagerness to get back into the cauldron of Ulster Championship action. He also reflected candidly on his injury troubles and the long road back to recovery.

The play-making attacker, who is preparing for another tilt at top honours with Tyrone, has also talked of his hopes for the season ahead.

Antrim take on Cavan in the opening round at Casement Park, but much of the focus is on how things are shaping up for the Red Hands.

"Things have changed a lot in football since the All-Ireland in 2005. New teams have come up the pecking order like Derry and Donegal and I suppose Tyrone have some ground to make up," says McGuigan.

"To be honest, sitting on the sidelines for so long hasn't been easy and you wonder if things will work out. But a lot of people have been trying to keep the spirits up.

"We've had our ups and downs in Tyrone during the past few months with the way results have gone. But the main thing is that we're going into the championship on a high note."

McGuigan and the rest of the Tyrone squad are gearing up for the visit of Down to Healy Park in four weeks.

They were in Kildare for a training stint last weekend and are expecting to also welcome back Brian Dooher as they prepare to defend their provincial crown.

Read more in the feature piece