Derry manager Ciaran Meenagh has received a significant boost ahead of this weekend's high-stakes Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final, with key defenders Eoin McEvoy and Conor McCluskey returning to the starting lineup against Antrim. Their comeback adds crucial experience and steel to a Derry side looking to make a deep provincial run.

McCluskey slots back into the corner-back position for the first time since late January, marking one of three changes from the side that secured a league win over Cavan. Meanwhile, Eoin McEvoy is set for his first start of the season, taking up a commanding role at midfield. The reshuffle sees All-Star Conor Glass deployed at centre-forward, with Conor Doherty also earning a start as Derry aims to control the tempo from the outset.

Between the posts, Shea McGuckin is poised for a memorable Championship debut, with Odhran Lynch still sidelined. For Antrim, manager Mark Doran has responded with three changes of his own, introducing Marc Jordan, Adam Loughran, and Conor Hand to the starting fifteen in a bid to counter Derry's formidable setup.

As the teams prepare for battle at Celtic Park, Derry's reinforced lineup suggests a team hitting its stride at the perfect moment. The return of such pivotal players not only strengthens their defense and midfield but also sends a clear message of intent as the Championship heats up.