Canavan has been struggling with full fitness this year after a series of injuries but the Errigal Chiarain man has impressed Harte and his management team in training since the semi-final win over Ulster rivals Armagh almost two weeks ago.

Canavan came on as a substitute at half time in the 1-13 to 1-12 victory, and kicked the winning point from a free late in injury time. The 2003 All-Ireland-winning skipper now looks set to play a full role in the final against the defending champions.

"You can guess that he's close, very close," admitted Harte. "We'll have to put a lot of thought into that, indeed into the entire team and how they'll be positioned.

"Peter Canavan will be a significant player in this team whatever happens. His value to the team is without question - what we must work out is how best we can avail of that value.

"We have to put our heads together and decide the best way to deploy Peter. It may be different on any given day, but we have to have flexibility. We talk about his role in this team and we try to make a judgement as to how he can best be deployed on any given day."

Harte's only injury worries are Enda McGinley and Ciaran Gourley, but both age expected to regain fitness in time for the All-Ireland final