Donegal v Derry: Brennan names team

At the annual Club Derry event tonight, held in the Oakleaf Restaurant, John Brennan announced his starting team for Derry's USFC quarter-final contest with Donegal at Ballybofey on Saturday:

Barry Gillis, John McCamley, Chris McKaigue, Sean Leo McGoldrick, Barry McGoldrick, Mark Craig, Eugene Scullion, Joe Diver, Michael Friel, Gerard O’Kane, Mark Lynch, Enda Lynn, Conleith Gilligan, Paddy Bradley, Emmett McGuckin

Such was the manager's reduced options - especially in defence - and the fact that Derry haven't played competitively in ten weeks, it was always likely that this side would contain one or two surprises.

Two debutants are included, Eugene Scullion and John McCamley. Scullion has been touted as a possible starter in recent weeks after it became apparent that Dermot McBride would be injured, while McCamley's inclusion is the strongest indication yet that Derry will deploy a more defensive strategy against Donegal. Unlikely to actually play as a corner-back, the Watty Graham's man will probably play a sweeping role in front of the Donegal full-forward line (reprising the role that was cut short against Down in this year's McKenna Cup). The Tír Chonaill men do not play with six conventional forwards, so the positions of the Oak Leafers starting fifteen, and the numbers on their respective backs is of little relevance.

For six games in the league, the Derry full-back line contained Brian McCallion, Chris McKaigue and Aidan McAlynn. Only McKaigue will start in Ballybofey. Barry Gillis - called in as an emergency goalkeeper back in February - will start his first Championship game since 2010.

Mark Craig also returns after missing part of Derry's fractious NFL campaign and will take up the centre-half back berth, while Barry McGoldrick will add some Championship experience to the half-back line. The Coleraine man has not been a first choice regular this season, but he has the footballing ability to help the Oak Leafers move the ball out of defence, which could be an important part of Derry's approach if they plan on playing in a counter-attacking style. The most obvious omission from the half-back line is Charlie Kielt.

Michael Friel was Derry's most consistent midfielder during the league and his inclusion is not surprising. The other midfield spot was up for grabs however and perhaps the experience of Joe Diver and his strong running ability has given the Bellaghy man the nod over the likes of PJ McCloskey, Patsy Bradley and Niall Holly.

John Brennan will be boosted by the availability of Gerard O'Kane. The fitness of the Glenullin man has been a matter of some conjecture over the past few weeks, but his presence will add some valuable experience to the Derry line-up, not to mention pace and guile and an ability to carry possession.

O'Kane's return is tempered somewhat by the absence of his clubmate Eoin Bradley; news that is likely to be the headline story from this Derry lineup in tomorrow's papers. Brennan must feel that Bradley is not 100% fit to start the game. If this is the case, then it is pointless throwing him in from the start and hoping for the best. The ability to spring him from the bench at anytime might be a more valuable alternative.

Emmett McGuckin is the man to benefit and he could well form a two-man full forward line with Paddy Bradley, while Conleith Gilligan is used in a deeper role. Enda Lynn has been rewarded for his excellent NFL campaign with a start in the half-forward line. It's a forward division that is fairly dynamic with pace and scoring ability, but against such a strong Donegal defence, it must show patience and creativity.

All in all it's a physical Derry team and one of the more interesting starting fifteens of recent seasons. The Oak Leafers are out to avenge last year's Ulster Final defeat, and whilst the bookmakers odds suggest that might not happen, John Brennan has at least picked a side that suggests Derry are trying to learn from the mistakes made last July.

We'll find out just how much the Oak Leafers have learned on Saturday.