Tyrone manager Mickey Harte witnessed what he hopes will prove the first step in an ongoing rehabilitation when his side strode comfortably past Louth in the first round of the All Ireland Qualifiers last Saturday.

But their ambition to be accepted as genuine contenders for the Sam Maguire Cup will be even further boosted should they manage to overcome Westmeath at Omagh tomorrow afternoon (3.00pm).

The midlanders will travel north with a weakened side - and that will put Harte even more on his guard.

"Westmeath have a good squad and no doubt they will have players who can step in and do a job," says the Tyrone boss.

His full-forward line of Martin Penrose, Sean Cavanagh and Colm McCullagh knocked up 0-11 of Tyrone's 1-18 against Louth but they may find scores harder to come by against a Westmeath defence regarded as one of the best in the country.

John Keane, Derek Heavin and Michael Ennis in particular are outstanding players but the fact that first-choice midfielders Martin Flanagan and David Duffy will be missing is a blow.

Donal O'Donoghue will continue to wear the number eight shirt with Gary Dolan, who impressed after coming on against Tipperary, likely to partner him.

Dolan is currently working in Germany and was due back in Ireland last night.

Westmeath manager Tomas O Flathearta has already indicated that he expects a much higher level of performance from his side than that served up against Tipperary last week-end.

"We need to improve greatly if we are to beat Tyrone. They have been showing a return to form and have a lot of experienced players back in their side again," said O Flathearta.

Conor Gormley, Ryan McMenamin and Davy Harte will again underpin the Red Hands defence with Enda McGinley and Ryan Mellon in the middle.

It's in the central area that Tyrone could lay the foundations for victory because of their ability win break ball and their slick support play.

The McGuigan brothers Tommy and Brian along with Brian Dooher form a strong half-forward line.

Tyrone may have fallen from grace in the Ulster Championship but they are still serious contenders for ‘Sam’.

Ignore them at your peril.