Bradley boost for Derry ahead of new season

DERRY manager Mickey Harte has been given a boost with the news that Glen midfielder Emmett Bradley is making a return to inter-county action.

Bradley, who kicked four points in Sunday’s win over St Brigid’s, was part of Derry’s 2022 Ulster success before opting out last season.

Bradley, who has played 66 times at senior level, was used an the impact sub role as the Oakleafers ended their 24-year Ulster famine.

His return will give Harte another option going into the new season with Derry back in Division One for the first time since 2015.

Glen had four players on the Derry panel last season with Ciaran McFaul returning to join Conleth McGuckian, Conor Glass and Ethan Doherty.

It is also expected Eunan Mulholland will joining up after club duty but a calf injury forced him off during Sunday’s club showpiece in Croke Park.

Derry retained their McKenna Cup title at the weekend and begin their National League campaign against Kerry on Saturday night in Tralee.

Speaking after Derry’s win over Armagh in the McKenna Cup semi-final, Harte was leaving any timeframe of the Glen players’ return to the county down to the individuals themselves.

“It depends on them, win or lose, it’s up to them to decide,” Harte said.

“If some of them feel like they’d like to be with us we’d be very welcoming to have them,” stated the Derry boss who will also retain Conor Glass as captain.

“If they decide that it is not for them just now and they need some time out, then we have to appreciate that as well.”