Tyrone's star forward Peter Canavan is poised to play his first county game of 2003 in Sunday's Dr McKenna Cup semi-final against Cavan.

Canavan was due to return from the All Stars trip to San Diego on Thursday afternoon.

The Errigal Ciaran player has not turned out for Tyrone since the All-Ireland Championship defeat to Sligo last July and new boss Mickey Harte is keen to see him in action.

However, Harte, also manager of Errigal Ciaran, could rest some other players.

He may well have one eye on the All-Ireland club semi-final against Munster champions Nemo Rangers on 23 February.

Meanwhile, Joe Kernan, also just back from the United States with the All Stars, will let his assistant Peter Rafferty take charge of the Armagh team this Sunday.

The All-Ireland champions play Monaghan in the other semi-final at Crossmaglen.