Kelly makes long-awaited Laois return

Tom Kelly will play his first competitive game for Laois in three months when the O'Moore men take on Wexford in Sunday's Leinster SFC semi-final at Croke Park (throw-in 2.10pm).

Kelly, who tore his hamstring against Down in March, slots in at full-back in a Laois team that shows two changes to the side that beat Longford 0-14 to 0-9 at the quarter-final stage.

The 2003 All-Star defender replaces the injured Aidan Fennelly while the other alteration sees Under-21 star Donie Brennan come in as an indirect replacement for ankle injury victim Noel Garvan.

Garvan's unavailability means Brendan Quigley moves from full-forward to midfielder to partner his cousin Padraig Clancy, with Brennan named at right corner forward and Michael John Tierney, Laois' top scorer against Longford with four points, included in the half-forwards.

While Kelly and Brennan are confirmed starters, it is understood that Laois boss Liam Kearns will alter his team before the throw-in with corner forward Brian 'Beano' McDonald, who is suffering from a back injury, being replaced by Billy Sheehan.

The winners of Sunday's clash will meet Dublin in the Leinster final on July 15. Laois are bidding to reach the Leinster decider for the fourth time in five seasons - they last lifted the title in 2003.

LAOIS (SFC v Wexford) - F Byron; C Ryan, T Kelly, J Higgins; P McMahon, D Rooney, B McCormack; P Clancy (capt), B Quigley; R Munnelly, C Conway, MJ Tierney; D Brennan, P Lawlor, B McDonald.