Six changes for Saffron hurlers

Beleaguered Antrim have made six changes and a number of positional switches as they bid to stave off relegation to the Christy Ring Cup against Laois on Saturday (Páirc Tailteann, Navan, throw-in 3.30pm).

Both counties' top flight All-Ireland SHC status is on the line in the relegation final. The Saffrons are slight favourites for the drop, having lost their last four outings, including a qualifier - 1-16 to 0-21 - to the midlanders earlier this month.

Slipping to a 16-point semi-final defeat at the hands of Offaly last Saturday has forced the Antrim selectors to react.

Goalkeeper DD Quinn is recalled after Gareth Magee conceded five goals against the Faithfuls.

Michael McCambridge and Brendan Herron come into the Ulster champions' defence, forcing Herron's brother Ciarán, a 2003 AllStar nominee, up from corner-back to his more familiar half-back role.

The latter Herron replaces Johnny Campbell on the left flank, while Gerard Cunningham makes way for McCambridge.

Antrim captain Jim Connolly will be partnered at midfield by Dunloy's Conor Cunning, meaning a wing forward role for Michael Scullion. Chris Hamill and Brendan Quinn are the other inclusions up front, where Brian McFall, who top-scored with 0-7 (5f) against Offaly, retreats to right half-forward.

ANTRIM (SH v Laois): DD Quinn; M Kettle, G Bell, B Herron; M McCambridge, K McKeegan, C Herron; C Cunning, J Connolly (capt); B McFall, C Hamill, M Scullion; J McIntosh, P Richmond, B Quinn.