Michael Murphy, Conor McManus and Sean Quigley won't be available to Ulster manager Pete McGrath for next month's inter-provincial football series.

Donegal captain Murphy and Monaghan sharpshooter McManus are taking a break from the game after long seasons, while Fermanagh target man Quigley is recovering from surgery, On the plus side, McGrath expects to be able to call on a number of players from current Ulster champions Tyrone.

"Players aren't available. I mean, Michael Murphy is taking a rest, Conor McManus takes a rest this time of the year and does rehab," McGrath explained to the Belfast Telegraph ahead of Ulster's semi-final against holders Connacht at Parnell Park on December 10.

"You have to respect that. These guys have played a lot of football for their county and club. I suppose, the middle of December isn't the ideal time for any competition.

"You take a county such as Fermanagh - Sean Quigley had an operation there for a Gilmore's Groin a fortnight ago, so he is unavailable. Barry Mulrone had to have a wee bit of surgery on his knee and he is just back doing a bit of light training so he is unavailable," the Erne County boss continued.

"I know my own players have issues with rehab and it is a fact of life for the county player.

"Having said that, quite a few of the Tyrone guys have committed. The likes of Peter Harte and Tiernan McCann, Mattie Donnelly are all on board for the squad. They are fitting in well and keen to give it a go."

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