Last December's O'Fiaich Cup was the launch-pad for Niall Sludden's stunning debut season with Tyrone.

The Dromore man was handed his first start in the pre-Christmas competition and ends 2016 with an Ulster medal and an All Star nomination to his name.

Speaking about the value of the O'Fiaich Cup, which continues tomorrow with the Red Hands and Louth meeting in Crossmaglen for the right to face Armagh in the final, Sludden stated in the Irish News: "Definitely, especially for the new boys coming in there wanting to get a bit of extra time to build up (for 2017).

"And let's be honest, the McKenna Cup is just around the corner as well, the National League is going to be starting soon. It goes very quick, and if you can go in and get your jersey and stake a claim under Mickey, he's definitely going to play you."

Sludden isn't taking his place in the team for granted, adding: "I got my chance and I suppose I grabbed it, but I'll have to do the same thing again next year.

"There'll be serious competition for places and I'm looking forward to trying to get my grasp on it as well. If I don't get my place in the team, I'll continue to work hard because I know there's a real battle for places."

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