Finn Harps legend Kevin McHugh is poised to make a return to action – after signing in the Donegal Junior League.
By Chris McNulty, Donegal Sport Hub
McHugh has signed for Kildrum Tigers and is expected to make his first appearance on Sunday when they host Glenea United in St Johnston in the Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division.
Killea native McHugh, now 37, had planned to retire from senior football at the end of the 2016 season, but he made a sooner-than-expected exit after suffering a gruesome injury in October.
McHugh was setting up a coaching session with the Donegal Soccer Academy when, while attempting to jump over a fence to obtain a set of goalposts, his wedding ring got caught in the fence and he severed a finger.
The striker scored 186 goals in 438 appearances for Harps in two spells going back to 1998.
In between, he also had stints at Derry City and Linfield.
McHugh will now be in Donegal League action for the first time.
It is understood that McHugh put pen to paper with the Tigers last weekend and will make his first appearance in Sunday’s clash with Glenea at Station Road.
Kildrum are third, two points behind leaders Drumoghill and a point off Glenea, who are second.
McHugh played some underage football with Kildrum and in 1998 won the Convoy Cup with the St Johnston side.
Kildrum secured a dramatic 3-3 draw at Rathmullan last weekend having suffered a first defeat of the season in a 1-0 loss to Lagan the previous week, but McHugh’s signing will serve as a massive boost to the title hopes of Shane Brown’s team.
Former Harps man Blaine Curtis has also returned to Kildrum while Michael Devine has also joined in recent weeks as the Tigers hope to keep their challenge alive.
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