Expectations are unrealistically high in Louth according to manager Colin Kelly who is looking no further than tomorrow's Leinster SFC opener against Westmeath.

The Wee County will bid to bounce back from the disappointment of their relegation to Division 4 when they play host to Tom Cribbin's Lake County outfit in Drogheda at 3.30pm.

"There is some negativity around the place from an element of supporters who still believe that Leinster finals are achievable, and why aren't we going to Croke Park and beating Dublin?," Kelly outlined to The Irish Independent.

"But the reality of it is that the heart has been ripped out of the team, and that's no disrespect to the young lads that are coming in. Transformation takes time.

"We've lost seven starters in fellas like Paddy Keenan, Shane Lennon, Andy McDonnell, Brian White, John O'Brien, Mick Fanning. . . fellas of that calibre.

"You're talking about midfielders, centre-back, full-forward - the whole spine of your team.

"You can dwell on it and be negative or you can get on with the job, and that's what we've done.

"We've tried to be as positive as we can and not accept second best. Unfortunately we weren't good enough in the National League but now it's about righting the wrongs, so it will be a big test for us."

The former star forward concluded: "For us it's about Westmeath. We need to get over that challenge first. Then we have to look to Wexford.

"One win would do wonders for the team."

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