Paddy Bradley will miss the start of Derry's National Football League defence after revealing that he will be staying on in Australia after the International Rules series. In a major blow to new Oak Leaf manager Damien Cassidy, Bradley said he intends travelling around Australia and New Zealand before returning home in mid-February. The 27-year-old All-Star full forward will fly out with the rest of the Irish squad on Saturday, having finally been selected for the series after being overlooked in 2004, 2005 and 2006. His decision to travel around the southern hemisphere means he will miss Derry's Dr McKenna Cup campaign as well as the early rounds of the National League. He said: "I always intended to do a bit of travelling and this opportunity to go in the off-season suits quite well. "I went to America in 2003 to play football for the summer but it's not the same as going with your friends. There is the added bonus this time of playing for Ireland and experiencing how the Australians treat their sport. I'm really looking forward to it." The Glenullin clubman has already informed the incoming Derry manager of his plans and doesn't think his late return will impact on Cassidy's top priority - the championship. "It was great winning the league last year but from what Damien has been saying since he took over, his emphasis is going to be on the championship. "He says it's all about making Derry into a competitive championship team again so missing a few league games should be a major problem." Tweet

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