"If he were to miss the game, obviously it'd be a huge blow for Tyrone's chances"

Tyrone selector Colm McCullagh says it's “looking very unlikely” that defender Michael McKernan will be available for the Red Hands’ All-Ireland SFC semi-final showdown with Kerry this weekend.

McKernan is still recovering from the shoulder injury he suffered in the opening minutes of his side’s group stage victory over Cavan last month.

Speaking at the Tyrone press event this week, McCullagh said that they are resigned to facing the Kingdom at Croke Park on Saturday without the Coalisland clubman.

"He’s doing a bit of running stuff, but no contact up to now. If he were to miss the game, obviously it’d be a huge blow for Tyrone’s chances. He’s probably one of Tyrone’s most consistent performers this season,” he is quoted saying by RTE Sport.

"He’s going really well. He really was carrying the game to teams and was getting us out and driving us forward and chipping in with scores and stuff and doing well in his defensive duties as well.

"It’d be a major loss but again, it’s an opportunity for somebody else to step up and we’re going to need that."