Laois football manager Justin McNulty says that while he is disappointed a number of player have decided to drop themselves off his panel, he understands why it has happened.

In the immediate aftermath of the O'Moore County's ten point capitulation to Louth in Portlaoise, both Gary Walsh and Kevin Meaney decided to spend their summer in New York rather than remain for the All-Ireland football qualifiers.

All Star nominee Brendan Quigley has since followed suit but McNulty says that there is still plenty to play for this summer.

"Obviously I am very disappointed the lads have left the panel after such a bitterly disappointing result, and it's understandable that they feel our prospects are bad in the qualifiers," McNulty said to the Leinster Express. "We are not in a unique situation. Armagh lost for players and Down lost four players, and Down showed what can be done even if you do lose players."

The Laois manager also pointed out that while some players have gone, others have turned down the chance to travel in order to commit themselves to the county: "It's worth noting as well that some players have reneged on the chance to go to America. Matthew Campion was due to go to America but reneged because it was his ambition to play for Laois, and that is a good news story." Tweet

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