Tyrone All-Ireland winning skipper Padraig Hampsey is out of the opening rounds of the Allianz Football League after undergoing shoulder surgery.

The news is a blow to Malachy O’Rourke as he gears up for his first campaign in charge of the Red Hand men.

But there was better news for O’Rourke with the recent return to training of another All-Ireland winner, and double All-Star, Mattie Donnelly (34).

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Donnelly hadn’t played since Trillick’s narrow defeat to Errigal Ciaran in the Tyrone Senior Championship Final and his presence is a timely boost to a young Tyrone side.

Coalisland’s Hampsey (30) damaged his shoulder back in August in a league game against Galbally.

And while he featured as a substitute a couple of weeks later in the club’s championship defeat to neighbours Clonoe, the problem still persisted.

Double All-Star defender Hampsey has been a key figure at the heart of the Tyrone defence since making his senior debut back in 2016.

Tyrone open their campaign against neighbours Derry at O’Neills Healy Park on Saturday, January 25.

A week later another mouth-watering clash is on the cards when they travel to play All-Ireland champions Armagh.

A trip to Mayo and a home game against Kerry are also on the agenda in February in what promises to be another fiercely contested Division One campaign.

Tyrone warmed up for the start of the League with recent friendly wins over Monaghan and Meath as they attempt to familiarise themselves with the new rules.

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