Colm Cavanagh is returning for another year with Tyrone's senior footballers.

The former All-Star midfielder, who was part of their 2008 All-Ireland winning team, will be playing inter-county for a 14th season.

Reports had suggested that the 32-year-old Moy club man would call time on his career after the Red Hand's defeat to Kerry in the semi-finals of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.

But manager Mickey Harte says the two-time All-Star is back and he's pleased to have a "stalwart" still available and feels Kavanagh's experience will be crucial to the panel.

“The rumours were a bit off the mark. He hasn’t retired, he’s prepared to give it a lash, and we’re all pleased that that’s the case,” Harte told The Irish News.

“He’s been a great stalwart for this team, and a very versatile player.

“He has a lot of experience that we can ill-afford to do with out at the minute.

“Colm has a lot of experience and he has a lot of the attributes necessary for a midfielder-come-sweeper type player.

“He has worked hard on that over the years, and I suppose he’s the man who has played it more than anyone else, and that has put him ahead of the posse, so to speak.”