Derry hurling manager Ger Rogan has to plan without the services of no fewer than 13 of the team that contested last year's Ulster final against Antrim.

A combination of emigration, injuries and retirements has weakened Rogan's hand as he prepares his team for Division 2A of the Allianz Hurling Leagues.

"A lot of the lads have had to go to England and beyond to find work because of the recession and you can't blame them for that," Rogan informed The Belfast Telegraph.

"They have to earn their livelihood and that comes before any commitment to hurling.

"But we have got on with building up the team again and I am quite happy with the new players who have been brought in.

"There is a freshness and enthusiasm about the squad that excites me and even though we had to go back to the drawing board in a big way, I am really looking forward to the start of the league on Sunday."

On the flip side, five Derry players represented Ulster against Munster in the Interprovincial semi-final last Sunday week - Liam and Kevin Hinphey, Oisin McCloskey, Michael Warnock and Alan Grant.

"It was very encouraging to see these boys get called up by Ulster and I suppose the fact that Derry players constituted one-third of the starting team reflects the quality of the players we have.".

Rogan - whose team will face Wicklow this weekend - continued: "This is going to be a tough campaign for us because we will be coming up against teams like Laois and Westmeath who play in the All-Ireland Championship proper and have lots of experienced players in their ranks.

"Sometimes hurlers can be the poor relations in certain counties but I think that this Derry side will gain their own level of credibility. They are very committed and are keen to prove themselves.

"I think that the more established players will be able to give a lead and if we could get a win against Wicklow this weekend I feel that this would provide a catalyst for the remainder of the league. These boys will not be overawed by the challenge." Tweet

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