Bradley may lead Derry again for Westmeath clash

Derry may have to look to their third-choice captain once again for leadership when they face Westmeath in the Allianz Football League Division Two decider at Croke Park on Sunday.

Mark Lynch is still doubtful because of the hand injury which has kept him out of action since March 16 while his deputy Dermot McBride could also miss the game.

This would open the door for veteran midfield ace Patsy Bradley to lead the side for a second time against Westmeath.

Lynch, who played a key role when Derry won the league crown in 2008 by beating Kerry in the decider, is particularly determined to lead the side at headquarters.

Bradley was at the helm of operations when the Oak Leaf side beat Westmeath earlier this month in the last scheduled round of league fixtures to secure promotion to the top bracket.

Derry boss Brian McIver has pledged to take no risks with players with the Ulster Championship quarter-final against Down at Celtic Park looming on June 2.

“We will be assessing a number of players in training this week and take things from there.

“While we are particularly anxious to claim the divisional title we also have the Ulster Championship very much in mind,” insistsMcIver.

He received a timely boost at the week-end when Eoin Bradley scored 2-10 when helping Glenullin beat Ballinderry in the All County League.

The free-scoring forward had been troubled by a hamstring problem lately and had missed thegame against Wexford before making his comeback on the bench and then starting against Westmeath.

The Glenullin sharpshooter looks certain to start on Sunday with James Kielt, who has been Derry’s top scorer in their last four games, set to continue at centre forward.

Meanwhile Mayo manager James Horan has delayed naming his senior football panel after a number of his players picked up injuries over the weekend.

A costly round of club action left Horan anxiously awaiting medical reports on Michael Conroy, Jason Doherty, Enda Varley, Chris Barrett and Brian Gallagher ahead of the Connacht SFC quarter-final against Galway in Salthill onMay 19.

Conroy underwent a scan yesterday after picking up a shoulder injury in Ballindine on Sunday while Varley, Doherty, Gallagher and Barrett all picked up serious ankle injuries. There was better news for Horan on the Alan Dillon front though as the All Star joined Keith Higgins in returning to club action.

Alan Freeman, who was forced because of illness to withdraw from the Mayo squad for the league semi-final, also returned and kicked six points in Aghamore’s one point win against Westport.

Barry Moran (ankle ligaments) sat out Castlebar Mitchels’ victory away to Charlestown, but is expected to be fit for the Galway game while county team-mate Tom Cunniffe (Achilles) also sat out the match.