Paddy Bradley's hopes of a dramatic Derry return have been scuppered by a torn hamstring.

The 32-year-old sat out the entire national football league as he recuperated followed a second cruciate ligament operation in quick succession.

However, he was on the verge of a club return against Magherafelt in the ACFL this weekend and had been tipped to force his way back into the intercounty frame before the Oak Leaf County's championship campaign began.

But the latest setback has ruled him out of playing any part against Down in the Ulster opener at Celtic Park on June 2nd and the clock is now ticking as regards the elder Bradley sibling featuring at all for Derry this year.

The former All Star attacker was due to play his first club game of the season for Glenullin this Sunday and the plan was to impress county manager Brian McIver with his performances at club level over the coming weeks.

But Bradley's comeback has now been put on hold and he will definitely not feature against the Mourne County. Tweet

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