Scan confirms the worst for Bradley

EOIN Bradley’s 2011 season is over after it was confirmed yesterday he had ruptured all four ligaments as well as the cartilage in his left knee.

A scan yesterday revealed the worst possible news for the Derry attacker, who picked up the injury in a training game on Sunday ahead of this weekend’s Ulster SFC final against Derry in Clones.

The news is as much a massive blow to John Brennan as it is for the Bradley family after Eoin’s older brother Paddy tore his right knee cruciate in April.

Glenullin man Bradley is now likely to undergo immediate surgery as he faces a lengthy lay-off.

There is also serious damage to the cartilage and ligaments but it is uncertain whether they will require operations as well.

Cruciate injuries have become one of the most common injuries among top-level Gaelic players.

In Derry alone, members of the Ballinascreen and Ballinderry senior panels have picked up 11 such injuries in the last two years.

Eoin and Paddy’s father Liam will lead out Antrim in Saturday’s third round qualifier against Down.