Derry hit with Sargent injury blow ahead of semi-final showdown

DERRY must plan without James Sargent for Wednesday’s Ulster U-20 semi-final with reigning All-Ireland champions Tyrone (Owenbeg, 7.30).

The Lavey man, a two-time All-Ireland minor winner, sustained a knee ligament injury in their win over Cavan in the final group game.

Sargent was forced off during the first half with a scan confirming a knee injury that has ended his season.

Derry lost to Tyrone in last year’s Ulster final after a penalty shootout with the Red Hands going to land the All-Ireland.

Damian McErlain has taken over the Oakleafers this season after a second stint as minor manager.

Derry were comfortable winners over Armagh and Monaghan before fending off a late Cavan comeback to top the group.

McErlain’s side also had to start without the injured Fionn McEldowney with his spot going to James Murray in defence.

Tyrone were beaten by Donegal in the group stages to miss out on top spot and the automatic semi-final berth but saw off Armagh to book a place in the last four.

After being forced to dig deep against Armagh, goals from Conall Sheehy, Eoin McElholm and Noah Grimes shot the Red Hands to victory.

Tyrone manager Paul Devlin will be hoping goalkeeper Conor McAneney recovers from the injury that forced him off in the win over Armagh.

There is also a juggling act with senior player Eoin McElholm who has been part of Malachy O’Rourke’s plans.

In the second semi-final, Donegal – who topped their group – welcome Cavan to MacCumhaill Park on Wednesday night (7.30).

They’ll again be without senior player Finnbarr Roarty who is an important part of their plans under Jim McGuinness.

Roarty, suspended for the first two games, carried over from last year’s semi-final defeat to Derry, has yet to feature.

Injuries to senior defenders Mark Curran, Eoghan Bán Gallagher and Caolan McGonagle has further cemented the Naomh Conaill man’s importance to the senior setup.

Donegal have been backboned by Callum McCrea, Kevin Muldoon, Turlough Carr and Conor McCahill from the Four Masters’ underage production.

Goalkeeper Pádraig Mac Giolla Bhríde and inside forward Daithí Gildea are also key men in the Tír Chonaill plans.

Cavan’s only defeat came at the hands of Derry but they bounced back with a quarter-final win over Down.

Cian Keaney, Matthew Smith, Matthew Costello and Lorcan Reilly are all important players in the Breffni Park.

Both semi-finals are down for decision on Wednesday night final set for Wednesday, April 30.