Laois manager Seamus Plunkett has stressed that his players will not be overawed by the challenge that faces them on Sunday.

The O'Moore County host All-Ireland champions Clare in the NHL quarterfinal at Portlaoise. The sides met in Ennis in the qualifiers last Summer, as the Banner ran out comfortable winners on that occasion.

However, Laois have been rejuvenated this year and following some excellent displays in the league, they head into this weekend's clash with a renewed confidence.

"I can tell you one thing, this team will not back away from them, no more than they did in Ennis last summer," Plunkett told the Leinster Express.

"There might have been a couple of points in it in the end, but it wasn't through lack of effort that Laois backed off Clare last year. I can tell you, we will welcome Clare anywhere, whether it's in Ennis or Portlaoise, we'll take them on anywhere.

"Having said that, looking at Clare, they are really on a crest of a wave at the minute, and they are putting up big scores against traditionally good teams, so it's a great test for us, but I can tell you, we'll brace ourselves for this test and we'll be ready for Clare." Tweet

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