PADDY'S WHACKED

Boss Tally admits Derry's injury woes are a tough pill to swallow

- BY KARL O'KANE

PADDY Tally says he must have 'driven over a black cat' as injury-decimated Derry look to put their relegation from Division 1 behind them.

Oak Leaf boss Tally has just 11 days to gather his troops as Derry look to storm Fortress Ballybofey in Sunday week's Ulster preliminary-round opener against Donegal.

It won't be easy though as the Derry side that started against Armagh last Sunday was minus no less than eight players that started against Kerry in last year's 0-15 to 0-10 All-Ireland quarter-final defeat.

Those eight included four All Stars: Chrissy McKaigue (retired) and the injured Conor McCluskey, Gareth McKinless and Brendan Rogers (inset).

The former three are defenders, leaving Derry decimated at the back, while regular goalkeeper Odhran Lynch is also out.

The other three who started against Kerry and weren't playing last Sunday are Ciaran McFaul, Eunan Mulholland and Lachlan Murray, with McFaul and Murray carrying injuries.

Donncha Gilmore, who has featured regularly for Derry was injured earlier in the season, while Anton Tohill - a constant at midfield under Tally broke his hand in last weekend's defeat at the Athletic Grounds.

McCluskey's man marking and pace in getting Derry up the field has been sorely missed.