By Michael McMullan

DERRY manager Johnny McGarvey has been handed a timely boost ahead of their vital NHL clash with Donegal on Saturday.

Shea Cassidy, sent off against Meath, had his red card rescinded on Wednesday night and is free to play this weekend.

The Sleacht Néill forward was shown a red card for an incident that saw Meath defender Dáire Shine forced off injured.

Video footage showed Cassidy going for the ball in the packed penalty area and had suspension rescinded at Wednesday night’s appeal.

Cassidy and Cahal Murray were a potent attacking duo in Derry’s win over Meath, a performance McGarvey rates as the best in his tenure as manager.

Saturday’s game is a shootout Derry must win. They are currently level on points with Donegal and Kerry who both have them on the head-to-head and score difference.

Donegal were winners over Kerry earlier in the season and were unlucky not to take at least a draw against Meath.

Tyrone are already relegated and Saturday’s derby game in O’Donnell Park will go a long way to decide the who joins them in Division Three next season.

For an interview with Johnny McGarvey, click here…