By Alan Rodgers

STERN tests of the highest order await Tyrone's new look charges as a National League campaign brimming with promise begins with familiar foes from Derry providing the opposition on Saturday night at Celtic Park.

Excellent form in the Barrett Sports Lighting Dr McKenna Cup has highlighted the confidence of the Red Hands. But all will be well aware of the need to now raise the bar even further.

Some of the optimism generated during recent weeks has been cautioned by the eventual defeat to Donegal last Saturday night. Suffice to say, therefore, that there will be a fresh resolve for this tough trip to the Bogside.

The absence of numerous top performers, including the unfortunate Stephen O'Neill, means that the onus will be on many of the younger newcomers to make their mark. And, recent weeks are providing good indications according to established defender, Conor Gormley.

"We set out at the start of the year to get a few wins under our belts. The young lads have been coming on well, so we'd be happy enough," said the Carrickmore stalwart.

"It has been good for the newcomers to get their chances, especially with the likes of Ricey, Brian Dooher, Davy Harte and Sean Cavanagh taking a bit of a break.

"I'm happy enough with my own lot as well, just getting the game time which is probably the most important thing. Everybody needs to get the fitness built up at this time of year.

"Donegal and then Derry away are two tough games. But we're looking forward because those are the types of matches that you need now," he added.

Under the new management of Damian Cassidy, Derry reached last year's National League Final before again imploding when the championship crunch came. While league progress might not be top priority, there is little doubt that a strong performance against their old rivals and on home turf will be demanded.

Just like Tyrone, the Oak Leafers have their own injury worries, including Paddy Bradley, out with an ankle injury, and Enda Muldoon.

On the plus side, though, Gerard O'Kane has provided a renewed focus as as captain, Mark Lynch could again feature at centre back and up front Patsy Bradley could feature alongside the experimental Joe Diver at full-forward.

Recent history between the counties suggests another close content is likely. Last year Tyrone's late flourish earned them the points at Omagh after Derry had cruised past them at Celtic Park in 2008.

"Knowing Mickey Harte, he'll want to get another win. Derry and Donegal last week are the kind of counties who are going to be there at the business end of the championship," added Gormley.

"We'll give it a lash and see what happens. These kind of games are like championship encounters because of the rivalry between us down through the years.

"Derry beat us two years in Celtic Park, so we're looking forward to this weekend. It's games like this that are going to get us focused for the challenges ahead in the league and championship.

"Our young players are all mad to get going. You could name any of them as having potential and I suppose it keeps the rest of us on our toes."

Ambitious youngsters such as Kyle Coney, Matthew Donnelly, Peter Harte and Niall McKenna from the 2008 All-Ireland winning Minor team have been making a good impression. Add in the form of Joe and Justin McMahon, Dermot Carlin, Aidan Cassidy and Enda McGinley and the outlook appears fairly bright.

This, of course, presents something of a selection headache for Mickey Harte as he prepares to pick the panel for the later stages of the league and then the championship.

"I wouldn't like to be in Mickey Harte's shoes trying to pick the panel for the league. The young boys are coming on well and the scoring average has been high which is good," continued Gormley.

"We've had a week to prepare for the Derry game after the match against Donegal. The task is to keep the momentum of the past few weeks going into the league."

The form of the Carrickmore man has been among the positive pointers for Tyrone as the 2010 season gathers pace. Suffice to say that he's likely to be an integral part of proceedings as the task of preparing again for the summer action gathers pace.

After Saturday night's Celtic Park showdown, Mayo come calling to Omagh on Sunday, February 14. It's a start to their Division One campaign which leaves absolutely no room for error.

A final place is, as always, the target for Mickey Harte and his players and Derry on Saturday night provides them with the perfect opportunity to start the National League on a high note.

captain, Mark Lynch could again feature at centre back and up front Patsy Bradley could feature alongside the experimental Joe Diver at full-forward.