Kildare make changes for O'Byrne Cup semi

The O'Byrne Cup semi-finals are down for decision today, with Leinster finalists Laois hosting Kildare in Portlaoise.

Lilywhite boss Padraig Nolan has several changes from the quarter-final victory over Meath.

Mick Wright replaces Padraig Mullarkey, who picked up a shoulder injury against Meath, at corner-back, and Damien Hendy moves to full-back.

Aaron Flood makes his competitive debut at half-back. There is a vacancy in the half-forward line, pending a fitness test on David Lyons.

Meanwhile John O'Donoghue, who has recovered from the flu, returns at left corner-forward.

Laois have been rocked by the news centre-back Tom Kelly will be out for up to six weeks after breaking his collarbone in last Sunday’s trouncing of Kilkenny.

However, Padraig McMahon, Chris Bergin, Colm Begley and Donie Brennan are expected to get the chance to impress manager Mick O'Dwyer ahead of next month's National League.

Leinster champions Westmeath travel to Drogheda to face Louth in the other semi-final.

Lakes County boss Páidí O Sé had some good news this week after defender James Davitt agreed to return to training, after initially opting out.

And there is speculation of an inter-county return for Martin Flanagan, widely regarded as Westmeath's most talented player, after he withdrew his services during last year's National League.

Flanagan missed Westmeath's subsequent run to Leinster championship glory.

KILDARE (SF v Laois): E Murphy; M Wright, D Hendy, A McLoughlin; A Flood, M Foley, K Ennis; W Heffernan, K Brennan; AN Other, J Doyle, M O’Sullivan; R Glavin, R Sweeney, J O’Donoghue.