County where odds on any win are long

Defining a successful championship is open to interpretation but for Longford manager Michael McCormack victory on Sunday in the Leinster Football Championship preliminary round against Wexford at New Ross would be a monumental fillip.

Last season, his first in the position as manager with the county team, McCormack managed to achieve something that previous incumbents had failed to do in the seven previous championships, namely win a match. Indeed Longford managed to have three games, two against Sunday's opponents, Wexford.

"We travelled to New Ross in the first game and were a little bit fortunate to get a draw, and then managed to win the replay. The upshot was a bumper crowd in Pearse Park for the game against Westmeath that we ended up losing: but it gave the whole county a lift."

Expectation within Longford is a little more muted this season. Shorn of key personnel, the county endured a disappointing National League campaign and injuries have further handicapped them in preparation for the Wexford game. Seven players will make their championship debuts on Sunday, inescapable according to McCormack.

"I had a choice and I decided, given the limitations with injury, to introduce young players. We are in a rebuilding process in terms of the county team and to achieve and develop then you have to turn to the younger generation. We have a good under-21 team and I think their ability is reflected in the senior team.

"There was only one game in which I had the full squad available to me, because of injury, bereavements and the success of (county champions) Fr Manning Gaels in the club championship. Therefore preparations have not been ideal. It is a very early start to the championship for all four teams competing on Sunday. We have done all our training for this in winter, it's only a fortnight ago that we actually trained without lights.

"Other teams will have another six weeks to prepare. I do believe that the preliminary round is a good idea but I would like to see the four teams play each other on a league basis, guaranteeing three matches and offering more football. It's dreadful to think that the players have worked so hard and yet may have to wait for another 12 months to play a championship match if they lose this one."

McCormack concedes that his side's task is even more difficult given Wexford's excellent form in the National League. "First of all I think it is a big advantage for them to be playing at home, there'll be a big crowd at New Ross. They have worked very hard and enjoyed some good results. If we play to our potential then we are capable of winning. This may be a young side but there is plenty of ability.

"The first match out is always difficult because you simply do not know how players will react on the day. I can only ask the players to do their best. Sunday will tell a great deal about the team."