New Derry football manager Damien Cassidy has warned that next year's Dr McKenna Cup could once again be overshadowed by a college versus county row. Cassidy is unhappy with the rule that gives college sides first call on players for the pre-season competition which gets underway in early January. "I can predict there will be difficulties because there will be situations where players will be very politely asked to play for their county," he said. "And if they don't take up that chance in January, the window of opportunity narrows considerably." Although the Bellaghy man has yet to finalise his panel, there are approximately 10 university players in his provisional squad. He added: "The rule of the Dr McKenna Cup competition is that you play for your university team. But let's be frank about it, the rule is a nonsense. "It doesn't bind in the Association's rulebook, so therefore it won't stand the test. But players do have a choice. If they want to play for their county, they will." Tweet

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