McCarter struggling with calf problem

CITY of Derry coach Mark Nicholl admits Richard McCarter’s calf injury is somewhat of a concern.

The talented fly-half continues to struggle with the problem and is likely to miss this weekend’s trip to Malone.

“Richard has a calf problem, which seems to be getting worse rather than clearing up; he’s a big player for us so it’s a wee bit of a concern,” admitted the Judges Road men’s coach.

“We thought last week the injury was starting to clear up, but by the time Saturday came around he was even struggling to walk, but having spoken to him this morning (Tuesday), he’s looking forward to getting some physio on it this week.

“Adam Bratton also has a shoulder injury, but we are hopeful he’ll be OK.”

Nicholl feels this Saturday’s encounter at Malone is going to be another tough test for his squad.

“We are on the road again to a good Malone side, so we’ll have to step it up,” he added.

“They are above us in the All Ireland league and have started the season well. They have also added a number of new players and they had a good win at the weekend themselves.

“However in saying all that we have started the season well and each week continues to see the side raise their game, which as a coach is great to see. Each week the squad is getting fitter and they are starting to play the type of rugby we want them to play.

“We played well against Ards in the first match and then at Rainey on Saturday I felt we played better and that’s encouraging, but as I have said the squad know that they’ll have to up their game again this week at Malone.

“Because it’s still early in the season a lot of sides are working on the their match fitness and trying out different systems and different styles.”

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