Niall McCusker could make his long awaited return to the Derry team in Sunday's McKenna Cup clash with Armagh at Lurgan. The highly-rated defender hasn't played for the Oak Leafers since March 2005 due to a persistent back problem, and has yet to feature under Paddy Crozier who is entering his third season as manager. However, the Ballinderry clubman has battled his way back to full fitness and is expected to feature against the Orchard County on Sunday. "Niall has been going very well for us and he's put in a huge pre-season effort," said Derry spokesman Martin Heaney. "He's looking very trim at the minute. I would say he will be in the mix at the weekend along with a number of guys." McCusker could come into the side at full back with All-Star Kevin McCloy due to undergo surgery to repair a finger injury, while Sean Marty Lockhart is still recovering from a similar operation. Tweet

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