Reds have clean bill of health for qualifiers

WITH the exception of a couple of minor ‘knocks’ and a concussion, Louth boss Colin Kelly has reported a clean bill of health for Saturday’s All-Ireland Qualifier against Longford in Drogheda (5.00).

Padraig Rath had to lay low for a week after sustaining a head injury in the Leinster Championship defeat to Meath, while Jim McEneaney and Kevin Carr also had to sit out training with knocks, but Kelly will have a full deck to draw from when he sits down to a pick his team for Saturday’s clash.

‘It’s stuff that has curtailed training more than put participation in doubt, so we should have everyone available,’ said the Louth chief, who also revealed that Andy McDonnell came though his Meath cameo unscathed.

The Newtown Blues man played just under 50 minutes against the Royals and suffered no reaction to the knee injury that had kept him out since the National League final in early April.

‘He doesn’t have as many games under his belt as we would like, but the physios are happy with him, so that is a boost. We all know what Andy brings to it,’ Kelly continued.

After master-minding back-toback promotions, the Reds’ chief admitted he is keen to see his side make an impact on the Championship, but he’s expecting a tough assignment on Saturday.’

‘Longford are a good side, we saw that in Drogheda and we all know they weren’t too happy after that with the referee blowing it up a minute early.

‘They have a good record in the Qualifiers, they beat Monaghan and Down last year and they’ve beaten Derry a couple of times too. So it’s a competition that clearly doesn’t faze them, and they obviously embrace it.

‘But as I always say it’s what we do that matters. We have to make sure we do our job right and everything else will take care of itself.’

After ditching the sweeper system against Meath, Kelly may be tempted to redeploy it for the Qualifiers and he conceded the decision backfired against the Royals.

‘I have to put my hand up and say that we changed the system the last day and got it wrong.

‘We did it because we trust these players to go out and match a team like Meath. We believe they are good enough, but in hindsight maybe we’re not as far along as them in terms of physicality and mentality.

‘But look there are always going to be blips along the way. What these lads have done over the last two years is remarkable and they will continue to improve when they go up to Division 2 and play that level of opposition more often. It’s about conditioning yourself to play at that pace and intensity all of the time and not just when you meet these teams in the Championship.’

In the meantime Kelly pledged to give the Qualifiers a good lash, conceding that Louth’s recent championship record has been poor.

‘Whether it’s the National League, Leinster Championship or the Qualifiers, we expect the same effort and application and you can guarantee this group will give you that.

‘They’re an ambitious bunch who want to play for Louth and any time we’ve had to circle the wagons I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen inside the circle. They always respond to adversity and criticism in the best possible way.’