In-form Ross Munnelly can drive Laois on

Big task facing Wexford as they attempt to bounce back from last week’s hammering by Dublin

Donie Kingston: will prove a big threat to Wexford in the qualifier at Wexford Park. Photo: Donall Farmer/Inpho
Donie Kingston: will prove a big threat to Wexford in the qualifier at Wexford Park. Photo: Donall Farmer/Inpho

Laois are a quintessential qualifier team that can topple one of the top six. The talent is there, no question, getting it out of them on a consistent basis has always been the conundrum.

On paper and recent form against Dublin, they should be alright tomorrow. Despite being torn asunder by the All-Ireland champions, Aidan O'Brien has largely kept faith with his Wexford players as the only change sees Michael O'Regan start at wing forward instead of Tiernan Rossiter.

Laois dragged Dublin into a competitive game while Wexford wilted under the fire last week. How they recover from such sporting trauma in just seven days is how they will be remembered in 2014.

Laois also make a change with Darren Strong losing out to Robbie Kehoe at half back but the power surge coming from the Begley brothers, John O’Loughlin and Donie Kingston should be too much for Wexford to cope.

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Also, Ross Munnelly’s sensational form of late should make a difference. So, unless Ben Brosnan shoots the lights out, Laois to soldier on. Wexford will be looking for a big reaction but not even goals, as seen in this fixture last year, will be enough to stop Laois.

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent