Karl Lacey return boosts Donegal squad for Tyrone tie

Karl Lacey has returned to full training with the Donegal squad ahead of his side's Ulster Championship opener against Tyrone on 26 May.

The return of the Footballer of the Year will provide a major boost to Jim McGuinness's All-Ireland champions.

The four-time All Star winner underwent hip surgery in December but has now completed his rehabilitaion programme.

Meanwhile full-back Neil McGee seems to have made a complete recovery from a knee injury picked up against Mayo.

Paddy McGrath, Eamonn McGee and Neil Gallagher have all been given the green light to resume training.

David Walsh made a return to club action at the weekend after overcoming a shoulder complaint.

Defender Lacey is expected to be in action for his club Four Masters in the coming weeks, with a view to playing in the big Ulster SFC match with the Red Hands at Ballybofey.

The centre half back missed all of Donegal's Football League Division One campaign, which culminated in relegation.

Meanwhile Tyrone manager Mickey Harte remains hopeful that attacker Stephen O'Neill will be fit for the tie after suffering a freak injury prior to the Red Hands' narrow Division One final defeat by Dublin.

O'Neill accidentally went over on his ankle during the warm-up for Sunday's game and is expected to be out of action for a couple of weeks.

Tyrone's preparations for the big Ulster showdown have been further hampered by knocks sustained by Aidan Cassidy and Justin McMahon.

Cassidy has ankle ligament damage and McMahon is troubled by a recurring hamstring complaint.