DERRY midfielder Anthony Tohill may not play again before Christmas following a knee operation this week.

Tohill has been troubled by recurring soreness in the knee after training and matches. His return to football action will depend entirely on the rate of recovery.

Derry selector Frank Kearney said yesterday that Tohill will definitely miss the next National League match away to Kerry and is also likely to miss the Cork match, but he might be back for the last round before Christmas, away to Cavan.

"It all depends on the rate of the healing process. He has been known in the past to be a fast healer," added Kearney.