DERRY v LAOIS, Croke Park, 3.45

TWO teams anxious to reverse trends of recent years which have seen impressive League form signify nothing in the summer. Both are also introducing fresh talent from good minor teams and could therefore, do with another outing even if they aren't as keen on the NFL as they have been in the past.

Derry reckon they have about three (unspecified) championship places up for grabs. These are more likely to be at the back rather than up front. Centrefield can expect a vigorous test from PJ Dempsey and Tony Maher as Derry try to format the post McGilligan era.

Laois are said to have been picked exclusively on current form with recently unsubstantiated reputation having no influence. They are, however, at the same time supposed to be deep in heavy training which may be the usual excuse for wretched performances at this time of the year but is sometimes also a valid one.

Derek Conroy from last year's All Ireland winning minor team is given his best position at centre back and can expect a searching afternoon from Dermot Heaney.

On the other 40, the experiment of playing Hughie Emerson at centre back has been abandoned to the advantage of the attack where his strength and ball carrying can pay better dividends.

The teams have a lively recent history with Laois producing two find performances in Derry. The first devastated, Derry during the acrimonious atmosphere of the immediate post Coleman era and the second made a game attempt to overcome an eight point half time deficit until Cyril Duggan had to leave the pitch injured.

Tomorrow should be less melodramatic, with Derry's more advanced team experiment favoured to win.