Justin McNulty will put his long-standing friendship with Aidan O'Rourke to one side when Laois meet Louth at O'Moore Park on Saturday night.

Laois boss McNulty and his Louth counterpart O'Rourke were part of the Armagh defence when the Orchard County won its one and only All-Ireland title in 2002. Another former stalwart Armagh defender, Kieran McGeeney, who lifted the Sam Maguire 11 years ago, is in his fifth year as Kildare manager.

"It is kind of bizarre that the three of us are all managing in Leinster," McNulty said in the Irish Sun.

"It is a little uncomfortable going to war with somebody you had battled with many times but we all understand we have a job to do."

Following his involvement with Queen's University, Kildare and Down, McNulty wasn't surprised to see O'Rourke follow him into inter-county management at the end of last year.

"He has always shown leadership qualities, and I can go back as far as his school days.

"He has all the traits necessary so it is no surprise to see him go into management and his brother, Martin, is with him and he is the same. Along with John Rafferty he has taken St Paul's into the MacRory Cup final."