Brian McIver admits James Kielt's decision to quit the Derry football panel was disappointing.

The Kilrea attacker opted out after failing to feature in the Oak Leaf County's Ulster SFC quarter-final win over Down, and speaking to the Coleraine Chronicle ahead  of Saturday's semi-final against Donegal, McIver revealed: "I spoke to James but he felt has wasn't making the team.

"These things happen so there is no point in going on about it. James has been really dedicated over the past three seasons and, of course, we are sad to see him leaving the panel.

"It is one of those scenarios where he probably thought he wasn't getting enough football."

The Derry manager added: "We have also lost Daniel McKindless to a serious leg injury in a club game and, unfortunately, he will be out for a period of time.

"On the other side of that, which is always the case in county football, we have three players - Mark Craig, Patsy Bradley and Michael McIver - back running again. It is a matter of making sure that our focus is right and we have a massive challenge this weekend."

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