Tyrone v Westmeath

ALL IRELAND QUALIFYING, SECOND ROUND
Venue: Omagh. Date: Saturday, 26 July. Throw-in: 1500 BST
Coverage:Reports: Radio Ulster MW and on the BBC NI website

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Mickey Harte says Westmeath could prove hard to break down

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte has named an unchanged team for Saturday's All-Ireland SFC qualifier against Westmeath at Healy Park (1500 BST).

Harte has an injury-free squad and gives a vote of confidence to the starting fifteen who featured in last weekend's 1-18 to 1-10 win over Louth.

Sean Cavanagh's spell at full forward continues, with Ryan Mellon once again partnering Enda McGinley at midfield.

The McGuigan brothers, Brian and Tommy, are named in the half forward line.

Westmeath have recalled fit-again midfielder Martin Flanagan with Paul Bannon dropping out of the starting line-up.

Westmeath manager Tomas O Flatharta also makes two changes in attack with David Glennon and Alan Mangan coming in for Dermot Bannon and Simon Quinn.

Injuries ruled David Duffy and Fergal Wilson out of consideration for starting places.

In contrast, Tyrone boss Mickey Harte was pleased to report a clean bill of health ahead of the clash as he named an unchanged line-up.

"It's a privileged position we haven't been in for a long time," said Harte.

"But Westmeath put a lot of men behind the ball and it's going to be tough. That's the problem we have to solve."

It's certainly a step up in quality from our last qualifier Mickey Harte

The Tyrone manager is the first to acknowledged that the home venue is a major plus for the Red Hands.

"It's definitely a distinct advantage. You don't have to travel big distances and you don't have an overnight anywhere.

"It's also your own ground and you should know it better than your opponents," added the Tyrone manager.

Harte is totally unconcerned by any suggestion that the Saturday afternoon throw-in could lead to a lack of atmosphere in Omagh.

"We're not concerned about crowd control or crowd atmosphere although maybe we can generate a bit of atmosphere for those who are there.

"It's going to be all about our focus and how up are players are for the game.

"Westmeath lost against Dublin by a couple of points in the Leinster semi-final.

"They put up a huge effort into Leinster this year and they are a formidable side. It's certainly a step up in quality from our last qualifier."

Harte will also be mindful that Westmeath claimed a big win on their last foray into Ulster in April when they defeated Monaghan to pip the Farney man for promotion to Division 1 of the National League.

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Tyrone: J Devine, R McMenamin, J McMahon, PJ Quinn, D Harte, C Gormley, P Jordan, R Mellon, E McGinley, B Dooher, B McGuigan, T McGuigan, M Penrose, S Cavanagh, C McCullagh.

Westmeath: G Connaughton; F Boyle, K Gavin, J Keane; M Ennis, D Heavin, D Healy; D O'Donoghue, M Flanagan; D Dolan, J Smyth, D Harte; David Glennon, Denis Glennon, A Mangan.