Eoin Bradley has made a surprise return to the Derry senior football squad.

Bradley was a notable absentee from the Oak Leaf camp this year due to his soccer commitments with Coleraine and his intercounty career seemed to be all but over when he signed a two-year contract with Glenavon this summer.

Manager Brian McIver appeared to rule out the possibility of a return when he stated at the McKenna Cup launch that "nothing really has changed" and that "we'll miss him".

However, McIver has since invited the Glenullin clubman back into his squad and the player confirmed to the Irish Independent that he'll be operating as a dual player in 2015:

"I'm looking forward to playing for Derry again. I had a chat with Brian last week and he is happy enough for me to play both games.

"I always hoped I would be back and I've already started a weights programme to get ready for next season.

"I definitely won't be playing in the McKenna Cup or anything, but we will see how it goes in the league. I would say it'll be more of a bench role. Of course, I could play two days running, but I don't think you'd be 100% fit to perform to your best. If I can play 15, 20 minutes I'm sure Brian would be happy enough."

The 30-year-old will be exclusively available to Derry for the championship as the Irish League season ends on April 28th and Derry don't open their Ulster SFC programme until June 7th.

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