Derry preparations for Down clash hit by injuries

Derry have been hit by a double blow with the news that Daniel Heavron and Raymond Wilkinson have both been ruled out for the season with knee injuries.

The pair will miss the Oak Leafers' entire Championship campaign, which begins with an Ulster SFC quarter-final tie with Down at Celtic Park on 2 June.

Ciaran McFaul (shoulder) is also set to be sidelined for that game while Patsy Bradley (back) is rated a major doubt.

Down duo Danny Hughes and Ambrose Rogers could play against Derry.

Hughes has returned to training following a number of injuries which kept him out of his county's league campaign.

Longstone clubman Rogers, who had knee surgery, may also feature for the Mourne men.