Tyrone manager Mickey Harte admits he would love to see next year's Ulster SFC first round showdown with Armagh played in Croke Park, despite the Red Hands having home advantage for the glamour tie. Harte says he would happily sacrifice home advantage to begin Tyrone's All-Ireland defence at GAA headquarters against their fiercest rivals. "Absolutely," he said when it was suggested to him that the game could kick off the GAA's 125th anniversary celebrations. "I'd love it, I would. I love going to Croke Park, why wouldn't you? And that would thrill me to bits. "Omagh mightn't like that because they might think they have the game because it's a home draw and Clones mightn't like it because they might feel they should have it. But if the opportunity to go to Croke Park was viable, I would love it." Given the tough draw Tyrone have been handed, Harte conceded that the back door may once again be their best route to defending Sam Maguire next year. "The way the draw has gone for us, Ulster isn't going to be easy. We play Armagh first and, if we are successful there, we meet Monaghan or Derry. "So if you had to go to the pin of your collar to win Ulster, I don't think it would be a good idea because you are going to come in a tired team at a time in the championship when that matters most." Tweet

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