Carlow captain Coady said he had been hoping to draw Laois in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship qualifiers.

In their last two meetings, Carlow made the critical mistake of switching off at crucial moments in the game which Coady feels has handed the O'Moore men the favourites' tag for this weekend's clash.

However, he now feels that this is the ideal opportunity for Carlow to show their worth.

"If we were to pick someone out that we wanted to play again knowing that we have something to prove, Laois would be the one," said Coady.

"We knew leaving Portlaoise that we didn't perform and there is pressure on ourselves to perform for the 70 minutes this time. By putting in 70 minutes this time we are hoping to be there or thereabouts."

Coady is hoping that the team can gel on Saturday in front of a big crowd at Dr Cullen Park, which will host a double-header with the footballers to clash with Derry in their first round qualifier at the later throw-in at 7.00pm.

The Carlow skipper said: "It will make for a good occasion. Two good games on the one day. What more do you want?" Tweet

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