By Michael McMullan

DERRY’S preparations for Sunday’s top of the table clash with Galway have been dealt a blow with a suspension handed out to star forward Shane McGuigan.

McGuigan was controversially sent off, for the first time in his career, on a second yellow card, during stoppage time of Sunday’s draw in Roscommon.

The Sleacht Néill man was visibly incensed as he left the field following his second booking for an incident that saw Roscommon defender Brian Stack black-carded for pulling McGuigan to the ground as he tried to join the attack.

McGuigan has since been handed a one game ban for a comment made following his sending off and Derry are set to appeal the suspension.

His absence would be a major setback for Derry’s promotion challenge which continues with Sunday’s visit of the Tribesmen to Owenbeg for the top of the table clash.

The Oakleafers will complete their campaign against Meath in Navan on Sunday week.

McGuigan, who has played 37 times at senior level for Derry, has chipped in 38 per cent (1-27) of his team’s tally in the five league games to date.

He has played every minute of league and championship football since coming on as a substitute in Derry’s draw with Leitrim at Celtic Park in January 2020, Rory Gallagher’s first league game in charge.

READ MORE…Derry and Roscommon end level. Click here…