Patsy Bradley is a major doubt for Derry's Ulster SFC quarter-final against Down on Sunday week.

The midfielder, who produced a man of the match performance in the Oak Leaf County's Allianz Football League Division 2 final victory over Westmeath last month, could be one of four players to miss the Celtic Park clash through injury.

Raymond Wilkinson and Daniel Heavron are ruled out with knee injuries, while Ciaran McFaul has as shoulder problem.

On Heavron's injury, which he sustained last week, Derry boss Brian McIver told the Irish News: "I am hoping that it is not his cruciate, but even if it is not his cruciate, it is still a serious knee injury.

"At the minute, he is definitely ruled out of the Down game. I have to say that I feel for the lad. He was playing really good football. He had bided his time to get a shot at the county. He had just started to play really well. It is a bad, bad blow for him."

Patsy Bradley only returned to full training on Monday night, and is facing a race against time to be fit.

"We had to cope with this (injuries) all the way through the National League," McIver continued.

"We had different people out at different stages. We lost Mark Lynch, who until he got injured, was playing tremendous football. We were delighted to have Mark back for the league final in Croke Park, but it was good that we went that spell without him because other boys had to step up to the mark." Tweet

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