Carlow won't be lacking in spirit

So it's perfectly set up for one of the finest hours in Carlow football. A packed Dr Cullen Park, the team floating since the win over Longford and with old rivals, and Leinster champions, Laois in town for the killing.

Too bad for them that's so unlikely to happen. Laois mightn't be at maximum strength but any decline since their memorable Leinster success last summer - their first senior title in 57 years - appears to be minimal and the step up in quality will surely out-stride Carlow.

That's what the head says but the heart says championship football isn't always about the quality of footballers on the field. And certainly Carlow won't be lacking in spirit and determination.

The eight-point win over Longford three weeks ago epitomised their battling qualities, and the influence of Luke Dempsey can't be disputed, especially the greater self-belief he's instilled.

Goals ultimately got them past Longford and they'll need at least a few more here to have any chance. Stephen Rea got two the last day and continues to develop into a class footballer and fellow forwards Mark Carpenter and Patrick Hickey will be a real threat as well.

Dempsey has made two changes from that game, starting Willie Power at midfield and Barry English at wing back.

Brian Kelly is another capable forward on the bench and clearly Carlow won't lack the fire-power to at least give their supporters a run for their money.

Defensively though they don't look so strong. Stephen O'Brien struggled to contain Niall Sheridan last time out and against Laois any such weakness will be severely punished.

Laois have had their share of injury problems going into this game. Kevin Fitzpatrick is probably not 100 per cent fit and, with Pádraic Clancy still out, there was little cover at midfield.

The forward line too has been hit with absentees from Gary Kavanagh (knee ligament) to Barry Brennan (back) but here the depth of talent takes over.

Chris Conway is fired up for a long summer after last year's injury and names like Brian McDonald, Colm Parkinson, Ian Fitzgerald and Ross Munnelly speak for themselves.

These guys can score and score frequently and, although a tough match beckons, it's difficult to see how the Carlow defence will contain them over the 70 minutes.

CARLOW: J Clarke; B Farrell, S O'Brien, C McCarthy; B English, J Hayden, J Byrne; T Walsh, W Power; S Kavanagh, J Nevin, M Carpenter; S Rea, P Hickey, B Carberry.

LAOIS: F Byron; A Fennelly, C Byrne, J Higgins; D Rooney, T Kelly, P McDonald; N Garvan, K Fitzpatrick; R Munnelly, I Fitzgerald, M Dunne; B McDonald, C Parkinson, C Conway.

Laois v Carlow

Sunday, Dr Cullen Park, 3.45