Tyrone boss Mickey Harte says he's happy to have avoided Tuesday's draw for the first round of the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers.

The Red Hands avoided the opening round of the backdoor for the first time in four years after their 11-point victory over Derry last month and are now gearing up for an Ulster semi-final date with Cavan on Sunday week.

"It is a great change not to be there. We have been there for so much now this last number of years," Harte told The Irish News.

"It was terrific to let that be, and think about an Ulster semi-final, something that we haven't had the privilege of doing for some time.

"It is such a different place to be, and it was nice not to have to think about the Qualifiers or where you might have to travel to."

Both Conor Meyler and Rory Brennan are expected to be available for the showdown in Clones after missing out through injury against the Oak Leafers but there are still concerns over brothers Joe and Justin McMahon.

"He (Meyler) should be (available)," Harte confirmed. "He hasn't taken part in full training yet, but maybe that's the reason why. A number of these boys realise after time that you can't rush certain injuries, particularly hamstring injuries, and if they attempt to rush them, it sets them back."

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