Saffrons unchanged for second qualifier

Antrim joint managers Terence McNaughton and Dominic McKinley has selected an unchanged team for their side's second match in All-Ireland SHC qualifier Group 1A - the visit of Laois to Casement Park on Saturday (throw-in 3pm).

The Saffrons have kept faith with the fifteen players that started last weekend's gallant defeat to Clare.

Teenagers Arron Graffin and Shane McNaughton, the son of Terence, retain their places at right corner back and right corner forward respectively.

Cushendall clubman Graffin is keeping Michael Kettle, who has recovered from the injury which sidelined him for the Clare game, out of the side. Malachy Molloy remains sidelined with a broken hand.

Saturday's game is a must-win one for the Saffrons who face Ger Loughnane's Galway side in their final qualifier on Saturday week.

Antrim last met Laois in the championship in 2005 when the counties actually had two encounters in a short space of time with Laois winning both. They won by 0-21 to 1-16 in the qualifiers and by 1-23 to 1-15 in a relegation play-off.

ANTRIM (SHC v Laois) - R McGarry; A Graffin, K Kelly, S Delargy (capt); M McCambridge, J Campbell, C Herron; K McKeegan, B Herron; P McGill, N McManus, M Herron; S McNaughton, J McIntosh, P Shiels.