Brian McIver has named a side mixed with experience and youth for tomorrow’s Power NI Dr McKenna Cup semi-final clash with Tyrone at Healy Park in Omagh.
Derry manager Brian McIver.
In keeping with his rotation policy in the competition, McIver has chosen Loup’s Thomas Mellon to start between the posts while Oisin Duffy and Michael McShane return to a full back line which sees Dermot McBride captain the team from the central position.
The Dungiven duo of Craig and Johnston retain half back slots from Wednesday night’s win over St Mary’s at Owenbeg with Niall Holly and Fergal Doherty forming the midfield partnership.
Gerard O’Kane comes in for his second start in a week – this time in a forward position with Magherafelt’s Emmett McGuckin starting in the half-forward line with Claudy’s Aaron Kerrigan retaining the corner forward slot after several impressive displays.
Derry team to play Tyrone: Thomas Mallon (An Lúb); Oisin Duffy (Forghleann), Dermot McBride (Baile na Scrine) captain, Michael McShane (Baile na Scrine); Charlie Kielt (Cill Ria), Mark Craig (Dún Geimhin), Kevin Johnston (Dún Geimhin); Fergal Doherty (Baile Eachaidh), Niall Holly (Eoghan Rua); Gerard O’Kane (Gleann an Iolair), Emmett McGuckin (Machaire Fíolta), Sean Leo McGoldrick (Eoghan Rua); Ciaran McGoldrick (Eoghan Rua), Declan Mullan (Eoghan Rua), Aaron Kerrigan (Clóidigh).
Substitutes: Eoin McNicholl (Gleann an Iolair), Conor McAtamney (Suaitreach), Aidan McAlynn (An Lúb), Carlus McWilliams (Baile na Scrine), James Kearney (Suaitreach), Mark Lynch (Beannchar), Patsy Bradley (Leacht Néill), James Kielt (Cill Ria), Benny Heron (Baile na Scrine), Ciaran McFaul (Gleann), Enda Lynn (Grainlocha), Anthony O’Neill (An Lúb), Paudie McGuigan (Leacht Néill), Peter Cassidy (Baile Eachaidh), Niall McFeely (Forghleann)
