Bannsiders next up at Drumahoe

The Waterside men, who drew 1-1 with Premiership men Donegal Celtic thanks to Joe McCready’s equaliser last weekend, are hopeful of bringing midfielder Darren McCauley back to the club.

The midfielder who spent the majority of last season on loan at ’Stute from the Bannsiders, was released by Oran Kearney recently and the Gobnascale man has been in talks with Paul Kee about returning to Drumahoe.

First team coach Brian Donaghy is hopeful McCauley will re-join the club on a permanent basis.

“Darren played very well on Saturday against Donegal Celtic and we are hopeful that we can get something sorted out with him,” he admitted.

“He’s a quality player who did well for us last year and if we can get him then midfield is certainly going to be strong this season, with the likes of Declan McKeever, Neil Harkin, Aaron Walsh and Joe Gray already there and then you add Darren it shows you the strength in depth in the squad.”

Donaghy feels this weekend’s clash against Coleraine is exactly the test ’Stute need.

“The players had a great work out and played very well against Donegal Celtic and even though it’s pre-season it’s good to be playing Premiership teams,” added Donaghy.

“We played very well against Oxford United Stars in our first match and everyone looked sharp and hungry, but I felt we did just OK against UUJ, however we stepped it up again big time against DC last Saturday.

“At times we played some good football but the pleasing aspect to the game for me was our work-rate and desire.

“Despite going a goal behind we showed good character to come back into the game and we deserved our equaliser, which Joe (McCready) took well, with his weaker left foot.

“After the game I was speaking to their manager Stephen Small and he was very complementary to us.”

One man who Donaghy feels could have a big season for the Drumahoe club is midfielder Michael McCrudden.

“Michael really has looked very sharp throughout pre-season both in training sessions and in matches.

“He is a top quality player and if he continues his current form then I have no doubt he will be a big player for us this season.

“We have added Aaron Walsh, Gareth Falconer and Ricky Lee Dougherty and they have all added something to the squad; we still have the likes of Dean Jarvis, Sean Roddy Joe Gray and Graeme Taylor to come in, so hopefully we’ll be able to get off to a good start at Carrick Rangers.”