Tyrone great Peter Canavan is hoping that GAA authorities will “reconsider their decision” and grant the Covid-hit Red Hands an extra week to prepare for their All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Kerry.

Speaking to ‘The Last Word’ on Newstalk, the 2003 All-Ireland winning captain echoed the sentiments expressed by joint-manager Brian Dooher and Tyrone chairman Michael Kerr in recent days in the wake of the GAA’s decision to postpone the game by a week, rather than the two weeks that the Ulster champions had requested.

With “over half the panel” having tested positive for Covid-19, player welfare has to be the priority, as far as he is concerned.

“It has put Brian Dooher and Feargal Logan in a terrible position whereby, no.1 they've a duty of care to the players and to player welfare,” Canavan said.

“And you can be rest assured that for the lads that have come back from their isolation, whether they're feeling well or not or whether they should be out on the pitch, they will be determined to get back out.

“They will be wanting to put themselves in contention for a place against Kerry, and maybe to the detriment of their health.

“I would say, after hearing Michael Kerr's statement and how serious that Tyrone are taking it, I would like to think that Croke Park will reconsider their decision and - at least - give another week.

“And even at that, there's no guarantee that Tyrone will be ready to play, or have a full quota of players.

“But at least by giving another week, you're giving the county the opportunity to partake in an All Ireland semi-final.”

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