GAELIC GAMES - Ulster SFC Semi-final:MICKEY HARTE expects Donegal captain Michael Murphy to be cleared to face Tyrone on Sunday week. Murphy is appealing the straight red card he received in the 15th minute of last Sunday's comfortable win over Cavan at Breffni Park.

He will have his appeal against a four-week ban heard tonight in Croke Park by the Central Competitions Control Committee.

The Tyrone manager has backed the 21-year-old to succeed in having the decision of Sligo referee Marty Duffy overturned. “I have no doubt Michael Murphy will be back,” he said.

And Harte conceded Murphy deserved to be given the go-ahead to face Tyrone, despite the damage he could cause to the reigning champions’ bid to retain their Ulster title. The full forward was sent off following a clash with Cavan’s Damien Reilly, but television replays appeared to show there was no striking action.

“It appears it was a harsh sending off, so I would expect he will be back,” said Harte.

Murphy’s availability would complete a formidable inside forward line and give Donegal immense scoring power as Colm McFadden and 17-year-old Paddy McBrearty scored a total of 1-8 in the demolition of Cavan.

Harte added: “So now they have got not one, not two, but three sharp inside men to look out for. That means they’ll get scores, so, yeah, I think the championship will get good from here on in.”