With the news breaking overnight that Tiernan McCann is free to line out for Tyrone this Sunday, Newstalk Sport's Oisin Langan spoke to Billy Joe Padden about how important the Kiltyclogher man is for Mickey Harte's side.
McCann was initially banned for eight weeks for his role in an altercation in the All Ireland quarter final which saw Monaghan's Darren Hughes incorrectly sent off. He had his banned overturned last night in Croke Park after a meeting of the GAA's Central Hearings Committee.
Padden spoke this morning of his importance to Tyrone's hopes of reaching the final; "He's the sort of player that is absolutely critical to the way that Tyrone want to play this season... He is excellent on the quick counter attack".
With a late night last night in Croke Park, McCann's preparations have not been ideal ahead of one of the biggest matches of his career and Padden hopes it wont effect the Tyrone player on Sunday. "It will be a good test to his mental strength in terms of how he performs... It's going to be very difficult for him to be at his normal self with a preparation like that".
The McCann saga may help Tyrone ahead of the game, with Billy Joe pointing out that Tyrone have previously thrived with a "siege mentality". Kerry's preparations will not be effected according to Padden and says the reigning All Ireland Champions will play their normal game but will be "ready for a backlash".
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