GAELIC GAMES: Tyrone midfielder Kevin Hughes topped off a magnificent season by collecting the Vodafone GAA All-Star player of the month award for September in Dublin yesterday.

In hurling Noel Hickey was recognised for his display in the All-Ireland final against Cork on September 14th.

Hughes was named man-of-the-match in the All-Ireland final against Armagh after a superb performance at centrefield, that also went a long way to ensuring he was included in the International Rules squad that departs for Australia on Saturday. It is a remarkable achievement for the 23-year-old as he struggled to get into Mickey Harte's starting line-up earlier in the year.

"In the league campaign I had mixed fortunes," he said. "I was injured, I wasn't getting on and didn't start the championship against Derry. Then there were injuries that let me in. Thankfully, I took my chance and just got better and better. It's still getting better, in getting to Australia."

He is clearly looking forward to his first involvement in the International Rules game and seems confident of adapting to the style of play that is required.

"I think in the Rules there is not that much difference. If anything, the compromise rules are probably easier than the Gaelic ones. It's just remembering them, learning to adapt and learning to play with the rest of the boys but hopefully I won't have that much bother."

Hughes's physical presence makes him an ideal player for the two-Test tour especially regarding the tackle, where he feels the laws are more clear-cut than in the domestic game.

"It will be a lot easier than trying to tackle in Gaelic when you can just rip a man down, but I think the Aussies will be better at it than us. We'll be trying to move the ball fast and just keep out of the road."