Derry boss hopeful on Bradleys

DERRY manager John Brennan is hopeful Eoin Bradley will be able to join his brother Paddy Bradley in Allianz League action next year.

Brennan revealed older sibling Paddy is on course to return to inter-county football after having an operation on a ruptured cruciate knee ligament last April. Eoin suffered a similar injury and was forced to have surgery after damaging the knee ligament in training before the Ulster final defeat to Donegal.

On Twitter yesterday, Paddy expressed his hope to play some part in the county’s McKenna Cup games before the start of their Division 2 campaign.

Brennan believes he is right on course to do just that while keeping his fingers crossed for Eoin to make his comeback in March or April.

“Paddy is coming on very well and Eoin is naturally a couple of months behind after picking up the injury later,” said Brennan.

“We’re optimistic Eoin will be part of our plans for the latter part of the league.

“Going on what the medics have told us, we expect Paddy to be ready for the start of the league. He has his rehab done and he should be playing football by January.”

Brennan is keen to have the players at his disposal as they face into a difficult Division 2 campaign.

“There’s no question, it’s going to be competitive. Four or five of the teams were in Division 1 a few years ago so we know what we’re up against.”

Bradley yesterday defended his remarks he made to a newspaper about the lack of support from the county board during his recuperation.

In response to Tyrone player Cathal McCarron, the Glenullin man tweeted: “That’s only a snippet of the facts. Player welfare in Derry is terrible. Coulda said a whole lot more kid.”

Bradley’s remarks come at a time when the Derry County Board have appointed a full-time strength and conditioning coach.