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Tyrone manager O'Rourke: Canavan a 'big loss' in relegation fight

Tyrone manager Malachy O'Rourke admits Darragh Canavan will be a 'big loss' as his side battles a relegation scrap in Division Two after losing to Louth.

Tyrone's 1-15 to 0-13 defeat by Louth leaves them three points from safety in the drop zone. O'Rourke expressed concern over Canavan's departure for a month in Australia but insists the squad has the character to cope.

The Red Hands host bottom-placed Offaly on Saturday, with O'Rourke predicting a 'massive battle' against the team managed by Mickey Harte.