Boost for Derry as McEldowney gets nod to face Kerry in semi-final

DYNAMIC wing-back Francis McEldowney has been passed fit, so Derry have named the same team that started in the quarter-final against Westmeath for Sunday's Bank of Ireland All-Ireland SFC semi-final clash with Kerry at Croke Park.

McEldowney sustained a back injury during the victory over the midlanders but played to the end. However, he has been unable to train since but, acting on medical advice, Micky Moran named him in the side last night.

In the quarter-final, Derry introduced four substitutes. Gavin Donaghy replaced left half-forward Colin Moran. Eamonn Burke took over from right corner-forward Johnny Bradley. Conleith Gilligan came on in place of centre-forward Johnny McBride, while Gerard O'Kane deputised for Kieran McCusker at right corner-back. Speculation had been rife that Burke and O'Kane might get the nod, but McCusker and Bradley have held on to their places.