Retired star Colm Cavanagh has admitted the idea of returning to the Tyrone senior football squad has crossed his mind.

When the Moy clubman announced his inter-county retirement ahead of the 2020 championship last September after an impressive career in which he amassed three Ulster SFC medals, two All-Star awards and one Celtic Cross in 2008, he cited work commitments as a big part of his reason.

Since then, long-serving Red Hands manager Mickey Harte has been replaced by Fergal Logan and Brian Dooher.

"I don’t know whether it’s part of my mindset of thinking, 'Jeez, could I go back for 2021? I’m keeping myself in good nick here, who knows?'" Cavanagh said at the announcement of the Electric Ireland Minor Special Recognition Awards.

“My patterns haven’t changed, I’m probably training five out of seven nights of the week still. Running and bodyweight stuff at home and a wee bit of weights at home as well. 

"Physically, I’m probably fit as I’ve ever been."

There is a real sense of optimism surrounding the new Tyrone set-up, with players such as Lee Brennan and Connor McAliskey rejoining the squad.

"You see it a lot with soccer teams that whenever a new manager comes in there’s always that optimism and fresh approach," the 33-year-old added.

"There was that element where Mickey knew the players that he liked and who he wanted to play, there was a staple of guys there.

"This new approach will bring that optimism and enthusiasm, and obviously with the forwards the guys have, but just that guys have to prove themselves again. Guys have to go back to the beginning."

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