Home advantage is a big plus in Clare's favour when it comes to previewing the first ever championship meeting of the Banner County and Longford.

Another reason for Banner County followers to be optimistic is the return of David Tubridy from a groin injury and the experienced forward replaces Rory Donnelly in the only change to the team that lost to Cork in the Munster SFC semi-final.

Shane McGrath and Enda Coughlan have also recovered from injury to be named on the bench.

Their Leinster opponents also make one change with Pauric Gill getting the nod at Peter Foy's expense in the half-forward line.

Gill replaced Foy as a substitute during the 2-15 to 1-8 Round 1A success over Carlow two weeks ago.

Looking back on the win over the Barrowsiders, Longford manager Jack Sheedy predicts there is better to come from his charges.

"It was absolutely brilliant and the response has been excellent. We outlasted them because they played a high intensity game.

"To go from three points to ten up in 10 minutes against Carlow, that's an indication of how hard the lads have worked and the levels they have achieved and there is more there."

Verdict - Clare.

Clare team: Joe Hayes; Ciaran Russell, Kevin Harnett, Martin McMahon; Shane Hickey, Gordon Kelly, Dean Ryan; Gary Brennan, Cathal O'Connor; Sean Collins, Jamies Malone, Keelan Sexton; Eoin Cleary, David Tubridy, Pat Burke.

Longford team: Paddy Collum; Dermot Brady, Barry O'Farrell, Fergal Battrim; Colm P Smyth, Barry Gilleran, Diarmuid Masterson; Kevin Diffley, Michael Quinn; Pauric Gill, Ronan McEntire, Rory Connor; Liam Connerton, Brian Kavanagh, Dessie Reynolds.

Match details: Saturday; Cusack Park; 5pm; extra-time playable.

Referee: Anthony Nolan.

Odds: Clare 8/13; Draw 15/2; Longford 7/4.

Tweet

Most Read Stories