ANTHONY LYNCH returns to the Cork defence for Sunday’s All-Ireland football semi-final against champions Tyrone.

Lynch’s return at left-corner back from injury – with Kieran O’Connor dropping to the bench – will be seen as a vital piece in the jigsaw for manager Conor Counihan, especially considering the manner he silenced Colm Cooper in the Munster semi-final.

Colm O’Neill holds his place at full forward, but James Masters may yet feature, though he is carrying a knee injury sustained in training last week. Alan O’Connor has recovered from a back injury to take his place alongside Nicholas Murphy in midfield.

Owen Mulligan has become an injury concern for Tyrone ahead of Sunday’s game. The All Star forward did not train last week due to a recurring heal problem, but should recover to take his place in what may be a revamped and fearsome full-forward line.

Seán Cavanagh won the 2008 footballer of the year award operating as a roving number 14, but has been shifted back to midfield this summer alongside Kevin Hughes.

However, the anticipated return of Enda McGinley to midfield after a hamstring injury may see Cavanagh move back inside with Tommy McGuigan or Martin Penrose expected to be dropped.

That would see Mulligan, if fit, Cavanagh and another former footballer of the year in Stephen O’Neill linking up. Damien McCaul and John Devine are the only absentees from a Tyrone panel in unusual good health.

CORK(SFC v Tyrone): A Quirke; R Carey, M Shields, A Lynch; N O'Leary, G Canty, J Miskella; A O'Connor, N Murphy; P Kerrigan, P O'Neill, P Kelly; D Goulding, C O'Neill, D O'Connor.