Ciaran McFaul says he is determined to make up for lost time with Derry and Glen after comeback appearance

Derry star Ciaran McFaul has revealed watching Glen play in an All-Ireland club final without him was the hardest part about his time abroad.

McFaul played his first minutes for Derry in 13 months as a sub in their Ulster semi-final win over Monaghan, which gave the team a crack at winning back-to-back Ulster titles.

“It’s good to be back,” he said. “I came home three weeks ago on a Thursday and I was back at training on the Saturday."

Read more: Conor Laverty insists Down will bounce back from Armagh disappointment as focus turns to Tailteann Cup

“I’ve been pushing hard but the boys are flying. I have plenty of experience down the years so hopefully I can bounce back, push for my place and add something to this team.

Ciaran McFaul made his return to action for Derry in last Saturday's Ulster SFC semi-final win over Monaghan in Omagh (©INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan)

“I know what I have to do and I have a couple of weeks to work on it before an Ulster final.”

McFaul quit the county panel after their League campaign ended last March.

The 28-year-old faced charges in Boston relating to an incident last summer and returned home when the case did not go ahead.

Not only did he miss Derry ending a 24-year wait for the Anglo Celt, he also missed his club’s run to a first All-Ireland club final, which they lost narrowly to Kilmacud Crokes.

“Of course I missed the football,” he admitted.

“It was tough, especially when you are on the other side of the world. Though I had made my decision (to go to the US) but watching Glen go so well… we were so close but hopefully we can push on this year as well and give it another go.

“I’m back now. I’m hungry now to come back in and push on and help this Derry team.”

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