WITH just four games played Justin McNulty has already handed the blue and white jersey to almost 40 players.
But this should come as no surprise as last year McNulty did likewise given many players the opportunity to step up to the mark and make a place for them¬selves if they were up to it.
This is an admirable trait as in the past Laois managers have been criticised for not given players an opportunity to stake a claim for a place on the county team.
Over the four games on the way to winning the O’Byrne Cup Shield the manager has tried many of the players in varying positions in an effort to see what the best line for Laois might be.
The question on everyone’s lips is what team will be fielded for the national league opener against Mayo next Saturday in O’Moore Park.
It was expected that last Sunday’s team might feature a few more of last year’s regulars in a test run for Sunday’s game.
Whether there will be further changes for Sunday only McNulty and his selectors know.
Certainly some of the new comers have impressed. Kieran Lillis is slotting in nicely into the full back berth while Conor Boyle has staked a claim for the wing back position.
Of the more experienced heads, Peter O’Leary is having fine start to the year as is Darren Strong.
Ross Munnelly looks to have got back his hunger for the contest and if Padraig Clancy is retained at full forward he will provide a good target man for the other forwards to feed off, while also capable of tacking on a few scores himself.
Without doubt, life in the top rank is going to be difficult and there will be the need for a big squad as it is likely that players will pick up injuries along the way. In giving so many players a chance so far the manager is keeping everyone happy.
The there is the fact that with so many players in contention for places it keeps them all on their toes. There will be no time for slacking off because any lapse in form will see someone else come into the side.
McNulty is also realistic when he looks at the campaign ahead. “We simply have to perform to a much higher standard than we did against Wexford or else we simply won’t be competing with the likes of Mayo or Donegal, who are two serious All-Ireland contenders,” he said in the aftermath of last Sunday’s defeat of Wexford.
The Mayo game would have one of those targeted for a win prior to the commencement of the league but the Westerners have had an explemplary start to their year waltzing to the FBD Connacht League title.
Certainly Laois will need to be at their very best if they are to get their league campaign off to a winning start.
The other two games which Laois will be optimistic of getting something from will be the home games against Armagh and Down.
McNulty would like nothing better than to beat Armagh, a side who have not being showing the best of form this year. However, with that game not until late March they will have moved on a step from where they are now.
Laois supporters will be hoping that Crossmaglen make to the All-Ireland club final which is on the day before we meet Armagh.
Down too have not been having a good year.
One amazing statistic is that they have managed to score just one point from play in over 100 minutes of game time.
They have also lost a number of defensive regulars through injury.
Whatever happens over the next two months what Laois supporters will be looking for is solid and determined performances where the players display a commitment to the colours.