Quartet opt out of Tipp squad

Tipperary football manager John Evans has been dealt a major blow ahead of his side's All-Ireland first round qualifier on Saturday week, with the news that four players have quit the panel.

Defenders Ciaran McDonald and Chris Aylward and promising U-21 midfielder Alan Moloney have all decided to head to the USA for the rest of the summer.

Meanwhile, forward Sean Carey has decided to concentrate on hurling with the Tipperary U-21s this summer, leaving Evans with a depleted squad ahead of their qualifier clash with either Laois or Meath.

However, the players have all left the panel with the blessing of their manager.

"Sean Carey has had a long year with the seniors and he wants to have a shot with the U-21 hurlers," Evans told the Irish Independent.

"With Ciaran, Chris and Alan, I was talking to them and negotiating with them, but there's just no employment here.

"They're gone to America with my blessing. They're young lads, strapped for cash and going to college.

"They need the money and their commitment has been second to none. If I could get them a job here I would, but I'm afraid I can't," he added.

Should Meath lose this Saturday's Leinster SFC quarter-final replay against Laois, they will face Tipperary on Saturday week at Semple Stadium (throw-in 7pm).

If Laois are defeated next weekend, the qualifier tie will take place on Sunday week at the same venue (throw-in 3.30pm).

Tipperary have already faced both Laois and Meath in National League Division 2 this year, losing to the O'Moore men by two points in Portlaoise, and beating Meath by 1-9 to 0-10 at Semple Stadium.