Incoming Tyrone manager Malachy O'Rourke will hope that he will be able to call on the services of Conor Meyler at some stage during 2025.
The 2021 All-Star was sidelined for the entirety of 2024 due to a pileup of injury issues, with Tyrone struggling in his absence.
Meyler suffered a knee injury followed by an Achilles injury and, ultimately, underwent knee surgery, meaning it has now been over a year since his last match.
One of the key players in Tyrone's march to an All-Ireland title in 2021, Meyler's return would be a massive boost to the Red Hand, as they seek to bounce back from an underwhelming 2024 campaign.
11 September 2021; Conor Meyler of Tyrone lifts the Sam Maguire Cup following the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Mayo and Tyrone at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
It has been a tough road back for Meyler, however, and in an interview this week he called for a change to how the GAA handle injured players, amid the ongoing debate over professionalising the sport.
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Tyrone's Conor Meyler calls for GAA to take care of injured players
Conor Meyler spoke to the Irish Mirror this week and assessed the demands placed on amateur players in the GAA compared to professionals in sports elsewhere.
Meyler admitted that the demands of balancing a full-time job outside of training was a massive strain on GAA stars, and zeroed in on players who had suffered injuries.
Comparing Gaelic footballers to athletes elsewhere, Meyler said that MRIs and physio treatment should be "taken care of" for amateurs in the GAA, calling the current system "nonsense."
If they [professional athletes] need an MRI scan, they'll get one in an hour. The medical care is off the charts. We'd probably have to wait three or four days for one, then another wait of a few days for the results. Then probably a wait to see the physio.
That's the bit that's nonsense for me. We're not getting paid so everything else should be taken care of because we're generating enough money for the GAA and big wages being paid at national level.
It is a valid suggestion, and would certainly ease the load on inter-county players already placed under huge strain by balancing training schedules with their professional careers.
The report by the Mirror states that Conor Meyler is still on crutches, though manager Malachy O'Rourke remains in contact.
It would be a huge boost for Tyrone fans to see one of their star men return during 2025.
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