Team news ahead of Tyrone and Derry’s Ulster championship showdown

No Mattie Donnelly or Padraig Cassidy today.

Tyrone host Derry in the Ulster championship quarter final today at 4pm in Healy Park. For the first time in years, Derry are visiting their rivals with genuine ambitions and hopes of pulling off an upset victory, following their fine progression under Rory Gallagher in recent seasons. The Red Hand county have already kicked off their Ulster campaign, defeating Fermanagh in a relatively comfortable tie in the preliminary round. The big news from that game was that Conor McKenna was sent off late in the game, meaning that he would be suspended for the today's match. However, the All-Ireland champion's have successfully appealed the decision and have him available for selection. https://twitter.com/TyroneGAALive/status/1520720364896141316 That being said, according to the starting 15 that Tyrone have released, the Eglish forward is named to be on the bench. Other news for reigning Ulster champions is that Peter Harte returns to the fold following surgery on his appendix, but he was not yet deemed fit enough to start and is also on the bench. Michael O'Neill retains his place at 11, which will only be his second appearance this season after coming back from injury. There is still no sign of Mattie Donnelly, who is currently ruled out with a hamstring injury. Derry are without Padraig Cassidy for this game, which is a disappointing blow for the Oakleaf county. More than that, Ciaran McFaul is no longer a part of the squad due to a "mutual agreement" to leave the panel, according to the manager. https://twitter.com/Doiregaa/status/1520408916361949185 McFaul has been an integral part of this team for the last few years and enjoyed a wonderful campaign with his club Glen, last season, so he will undoubtedly be missed. Gareth McKinless appears to have regained full fitness, and lines out at number 6, while Lachlan Murray has been dropped to the bench, despite impressing in the league campaign.