Laois and Kildare will both have almost full squads ahead of this Saturday’s All-Ireland Football Championship preliminary round in Portlaoise.
Ollie Lyons has overcome the shoulder injury he was suffering from since the Leinster Championship semi-final against Dublin, while the only injury concern for Laois is Peter O’Leary, who is still suffering from a knee injury.
While both sides are almost at full strength, Laois manager Justin McNulty is wary of Kildare and their Championship record over the past few years.
“We understand that Kildare are Championship specialists,” said McNulty.
“They have reached All-Ireland quarter and semi-finals through the back door so they are seasoned in that regard, so that’s something we have to tackle.”
McNulty and Kildare boss Kieran McGeeney were both part of a Kildare squad that won an All-Ireland title with the Lilywhites, and while they remain good friends, the Laois boss insists that Saturday’s match is about the two counties playing football and not about the two managers going head to head for the first time in the Championship.
“It’s a unique situation in the GAA,” added McNulty.
“Kieran is one of my best friends, we’re very close and it’s two clubmates who grew up together, played in the same county team and won an All-Ireland together. I suppose it adds a little intrigue and excitement to the fixture.
“Obviously it’s a local derby too but really it’s all just a sideshow. It’s a game of football and two teams who are going out to play to their potential is what this is all about.”