Waterford's preparations for their qualifier against Laois have been disrupted by the circumstances surrounding Brian O'Sullivan's two-match ban.

The Deise forward was banned retrospectively following an incident with Cork's Damien Cahalane in the Munster SFC quarter-final replay and Waterford claim the notification of the proposed suspension arrived too late to allow the player lodge an appeal.

Waterford manager Derek McGrath revealed that Jamie Barron will also miss the Laois clash because of a broken bone in his hand he sustained in a challenge against Limerick while former All-Star corner-back Noel Connors and Colin Dunford underwent fitness tests mid-week.

Seamus 'Cheddar' Plunkett's Laois side lost out by 2-23 to 2-31 to Tipperary in a recent challenge game.

That will have helped them put the disappointment of their 0-23 to 1-22 near miss against Galway in the Leinster SHC behind them.

The O'Moore County won't lack for confidence when they travel to Walsh Park but, despite their suspension and injury problems, the hosts should have enough in their locker to advance.

Verdict - Waterford.

Waterford team: Stephen O Keeffe; Shane Fives, Liam Lawlor, Noel Connors; Darragh Fives, Michael Walsh, Tadgh Burke; Kevin Moran, Shane O'Sullivan; Jake Dillon, Pauric Mahony, Austin Gleeson; Ryan Donnelly, Shane Walsh, Colin Dunford.

Laois team: Eoin Reilly; John A Delaney, Brian Campion, Brian Stapleton; Joe Fitzpatrick, Matthew Whelan, Tom Delaney; Dwane Palmer, James Walsh; Joe Campion, Willie Hyland, Stephen Maher; Neil Foyle, Charles Dwyer, Tommy Fitzgerald.

Match details: Saturday, Walsh Park, 7pm, extra-time playable.

Referee: Alan Kelly (Galway).

Odds: Waterford 1/7, Draw 14/1, Laois 5/1. Tweet

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