Blow for Derry City as Ciaron Harkin suffers ACL recurrence

Derry City have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the SSE Airtricity League and Extra.ie FAI Cup double with the news that Ciaron Harkin will miss the rest of the season.

The midfielder picked up a different ACL injury in February's victory over Shamrock Rovers at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, and was due to be fit to add depth to Ruaidhrí Higgins' squad in their silverware pursuit over the next couple of months.

But the 26-year-old was dealt a blow as he suffered similar injury in training this week, according to the club.

The statement read: "Derry City FC's medical team have confirmed this evening that midfielder Ciaron Harkin has damaged his ACL in training this week.

"[Club physio] Michael Hegarty told the club’s website that the extent of the injury was confirmed following a scan today and Ciaron will see a specialist on Friday so that they can prepare a recovery plan.

"The announcement is all the more concerning given that the 26-year old had entered the final stages of his rehabilitation after 7 months out with the same injury.

"Everyone at the club sends their best wishes to 'Jackie’ for a speedy recovery."

The Candystripes currently trail league leaders Rovers by five points with six rounds of fixtures to go, including a meeting of the clubs at Tallaght at the end of next month.

Derry recently booked their semi-final place in the FAI Cup with a 3-1 victory over the Hoops at the Brandywell, and they will next host Treaty United in the last four in just over two weeks' time.