Teddy McCarthy has taken encouragement from the progress of the Laois minor team ahead of tonight's Leinster SHC preliminary round meeting with Carlow in Dr Cullen Park.

The O'Moore County's U18s recorded a dramatic victory over Offaly last weekend to qualify for the Leinster semi-finals, and the Cork legend is hoping his seniors can take inspiration from their achievement.

"You see the minors doing well and it shows that Laois are making some strides underage as well. I'm hoping the hurling following will get behind us now," McCarthy is quoted as saying in The Irish Examiner.

"Local rivalry is at stake on Saturday and support is important. The guys have put in a huge commitment over last few weeks and we're hoping to kick-start the season now."

McCarthy admits that preparations haven't been ideal because of a lengthy injury list.

"Realistically, we're decimated with injuries. We knew at the start of the year that a few of our defenders like Brian Campion, Shane Dollard and John Brophy were out long term with injuries.

"Then a few weeks ago Joe Fitzpatrick was forced to pull out on medical grounds. That's the bones of our back line. Carlow have beaten Laois over the last two years so it'll be very difficult. We know what's in front of us. Carlow are putting in a huge amount of work into hurling and they won the final in Division 2 recently." Tweet

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