Callaghan insists Kildare can cope without talismanic Earley

THE initial prognosis on Dermot Earley’s availability for the All-Ireland semi-final may be cautiously optimistic but Eamonn Callaghan believes Kildare have the strength in depth to cope should their talisman be forced to sit out their date with Down.

Earley has returned to top form this past two years after a prolonged spell blighted by injury and illness and Kildare’s chances of defeating Meath last Sunday appeared slim when the midfielder was carried off after just three minutes.

Instead, Kildare turned around an early two-goal deficit to comfortably see off Eamonn O’Brien’s side. By the end, they had eight points to spare with Hugh Lynch stepping seamlessly into Earley’s shoes for the remainder of the afternoon.