Brian Hanley has expressed satisfaction with Westmeath's preparations for this afternoon's Leinster SHC opener against Antrim at Cusack Park.

The Galway man has named six championship newcomers - including four teenagers - in his team and is confident they will be up to the task.

"I guarantee you they're well prepared for this summer. We can't leave any stone unturned in that no more than we haven't in the league or in the senior set-up for the Leinster championship. That's vital for Westmeath's progression.

"Thirteen out of our panel of 30 is U21. We hadn't that last year; we were scraping the barrel here this time last year getting players. But at the end of the day, we're very happy with the core of experienced players we have, and you need them to get you over the line in any big game.

"You won't win it with youth. But by having three or four in with the team playing, and another three or four coming on to give energy, it creates great energy in training as well, and enthusiasm, and that rubs off on the senior players. That's the big benefit from it." Tweet

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