McLoone back in frame for Donegal

THE return to training of Leo McLoone on Saturday is a boost to Donegal’s Ulster championship prospects ahead of Sunday’s quarter-final against Cavan.

The Naomh Conaill clubman started the year in explosive fashion in the opening rounds of the NFL Division Two before breaking an ankle in a club game in March. However, the centre-back took a full part in training in Letterkenny on Saturday morning.

Another to return from a lay-off this week was Ryan Bradley, the Buncrana forward who has been out for two weeks due to a virus, while Rory Kavanagh (ankle) and Michael Murphy (dead leg) also took part.

Murphy was an absentee in a challenge game against Mayo last Thursday in Sligo, which Donegal won by two points, as were Neil Gallagher (groin strain) and Mark McHugh(shin splints). All are in line to start at Kingspan Breffni Park, with Kavanagh’s St Eunan’s clubmate Kevin Rafferty possibly coming in at centrefield with Martin McElhinney expected to move from midfield to the half-forward line. The main concern is corner-back Frank McGlynn (hamstring).