Stephen O'Neill is facing a race against time to be fit for Tyrone's Ulster SFC opener against Down on May 18.

The veteran attacker was forced to sit out the Red Hands' entire Allianz League campaign because of a back injury, and is a month away from making a full return to training.

"He's still in the treatment room, so he's still a couple of weeks off getting back out on to the pitch," Tyrone team trainer Fergal McCann told the Irish News.

"Then he'll have to go through a couple of weeks of rehab work out on the pitch before he can join full training."

On the plus side, the McMahon brothers, Joe and Justin, are expected to be available for the Omagh clash after also missing the spring campaign.

"Justin has recovered from hamstring trouble, and made the bench for the final two NFL games against Cork and Dublin, but he saw no action," McCann continued.

"And Joe is close to a return to full training following a lengthy lay-off with a groin problem. We're putting no time on it, but they're all making good progress.

"Justy was part of the squad, and Joe is out with us doing work on the pitch as well. He is currently working with the physios at the minute, so he's taking some part in the training, then he is taking time out and working with the physios." Tweet

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