Ear to the ground: Kildare

Paul O'Meara (Leinster Leader GAA correspondent) What are the expectations in the county - "The general feeling is very good, there's a lot of optimism. Supporters are very, very confident of winning Leinster and after that they think we have as good a chance as anyone else, what with Armagh and Galway losing in early rounds.

"There's a perception in Kildare that there is disarray in the Meath camp, what with the obvious difficulties at midfield with John McDermott retired and Anthony Moyles suspended (McDermott returned to the Meath camp this weekend but broke his toe in a challenge game). After last year, there's no fears about Dublin - I think people would be more fearful of Offaly."

View on the return of Niall Buckley: "People are happy that Buckley is back, particularly because he came back before the Leinster championship began. It shows how serious he is about it. He's a very popular fellow."

How is manager Mick O'Dwyer regarded?

"Given what he's achieved, in relative terms, everybody has a lot of time for him. Ten years ago it was inconceivable that Kildare could have beaten Dublin in a Leinster final like they did last year. His role has never been an issue and his position has never surfaced at any forum. Even if they lost next Sunday it wouldn't be an issue. Whenever he goes it will be on his own terms."

How are the players who came in from other counties viewed?

"There would be some concern about that issue okay. I think Kildare have recruited enough players. The worry is that it does nothing to encourage young players. Having said all that, without the likes of Brian Murphy and Karl O'Dwyer we wouldn't have won much."

Team news: Well, Glen Ryan is likely to miss the game because of his ankle ligament injury. Glen has been a consistently good player, talismanic even, and in the past there would have been panic if he was missing.

"But now with the depth to the panel, there's lots of cover, so that's another reason for the confidence."