Cavan injury fears ease ahead of Derry clash

Rory Traynor

Cavan's management are hopeful that two of their key players will have recovered from injury in time to make the team for Saturday's make or break clash with Derry.

The starting fifteen will be named tomorrow (Friday) evening after their final training session, and injured duo Rory Dunne and Niall McDermott may yet be included on the teamsheet.

Redhills man, Dunne, missed last Saturday’s impressive win over neighbours Fermanagh with a knee injury, but is expected to be fit to face the Oak Leafers. McDermott sustained a head injury during the Fermanagh game from which he suffered concussion. Following assessment, the Ballinagh man has been given the all clear, but was advised to sit out training on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Derry have suffered the loss of key midfeilder PJ McCloskey, who was yesterday ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious cruciate ligament injury. The Banagher clubman picked up the knee injury during the Derrymen's convincing Round Two Qualifier win over Down, in what was desribed by managaer Brian McIlver as, “Probably one of the finest midfield displays of 2013 so far.”

Catch the Celt's preview of the crucial Round Three All-Ireland Qualifier in this week's paper and see why sports editor Paul Fitzpatrick tips Cavan to win after extra time.