New Antrim manager P J O'Hare will await the result of ths Sunday's McKenna Cup game between Tyrone and Fermanagh with keen interest.

That is because O'Hare will make his return as a senior county manager against the winners of that game on 12 January.

The McKenna Cup may be a relatively low-key competition between the Ulster counties, but it gives O'Hare valuable scope to test out the talent at his disposal.

The new Saffrons boss has been busy assembling a fresh-looking squad which includes a string of youngsters who have yet to play at inter-county level.

Kevin Madden's expereince is vital

However, there are still some more recognisable names like Kevin Madden of Portglenone.

O'Hare has announced a squad of 32 players and is expected to try out most of them in a friendly match against Derry at Casement Park on Sunday 5 January.

"I need to get them playing now," said O'Hare.

"Regardless of what happens in the McKenna Cup we will have games on 19 and 26 January and then after that we have the National League starting."