Carlow forced down rookie route

More than half of the Carlow team for Sunday's Leinster SFC quarter-final against Offaly will be making their championship debuts in Portlaoise (throw-in 2.10pm).

Carlow boss John Kearns, who took over from the axed Andy Shortall in March, has included eight SFC debutants in his side for this weekend's clash.

Defenders Christy Bolger (Iire Sg), Mark Nolan (Kildavin-Clonegal), Evan Doyle (Tinryland) and James Hickey (Mount Leinster Rangers), midfielder Gary Morrissey (Tinryland) and forwards Kieran Nolan (Fighting Cocks), Derek Hayden (Iire Sg) and Paul Reid (Palatine) will all be making their bows for the Barrowsiders.

Carlow's chances of repeating their surprise All-Ireland qualifier win over Offaly of two years ago have not been helped by the absence of over 15 regulars from the county's panel this season.

Some poor league results followed, including an embarrassing 4-11 to 1-7 defeat to London in April, but Kearns is hopeful his young charges can turn the corner and prove more than a match for Offaly.

"This year we started the league like most years, losing the opening games and putting ourselves under pressure. Some players didn't make themselves available, more left the panel, but the players that remained have put in a huge effort," Kearns admitted.

"I will be talking up the Longford league victory. In that game they showed they have the ability - it's just a question of self-confidence. If they could repeat that display, then Offaly could be in for a real surprise."

Carlow will look to the experienced Mark Carpenter, who made his senior inter-county debut eleven years ago, to provide leadership up front, but they will be missing rock-solid full-back Brian Farrell who has a niggling hamstring injury.

Kearns, however, can call on the services of David Byrne (groin), James Ryan (ankle), Brian Kelly (back), Paul Cashin (shoulder) who have recovered from their respective knocks, while Mark Nolan and Christy Bolger have both been passed fit after seeing off hamstring injuries.

The winners of Sunday's game will take on either Dublin or Meath in a June 24 semi-final at Croke Park.

CARLOW (SFC v Offaly) - J Clarke; J Ryan, C Bolger, M Nolan; P Cashin, E Doyle, J Hickey; G Morrissey, M Brennan; K Nolan, D Hayden, M Carpenter; P Reid, D Byrne, B Kelly.