A Leinster SFC quarter-final on home soil against Meath is the prize on offer in Aughrim on Sunday.

Both teams enter the contest on the back of relegation from their respective league divisions.

Longford failed to win a game in Division 2 although it should be pointed out that they were competitive in practically all of their games while Wicklow made an instant return to Division 4 with just two draws to show for their efforts in Division 3.

12 months ago, Longford scored a memorable 1-10 to 0-12 win over Laois in the opening round while Wicklow fell to Meath on a scoreline of 0-16 to 0-11.

Longford defeated Derry in round 1 of the qualifiers before losing out to Limerick after extra-time in round 2. Wicklow scraped over Waterford in round 1 after extra-time but made their exit when losing to Leitrim by 0-13 to 0-10 next time out.

The experienced Paul Barden returns to captain Longford after missing out on the FL Division 2 campaign through injury. Glenn Ryan has named the Clonguish clubman on the '40' in a new look attack that also includes Under 21 stars Padraig McCormack and Robbie Smyth.

Brian Kavanagh is unavailable as he is currently in New York while Barden's younger brother David is no longer involved with the panel.

Wicklow enter the game without key players such as Leighton Glynn (injury) and Tony Hannon (retired) and, in their absence, manager Harry Murphy's options appear to be limited.

One piece of good news is that Brian Coen is in line to make his championship debut for his adopted county after transferring from his native Tipperary.

Wicklow are traditionally difficult to beat in Aughrim but Longford are expected to advance to the last eight.

Verdict: Longford

Wicklow: tba.

Longford: D Sheridan; D Brady, B Gilleran, D Reilly; CP Smyth, M Quinn, S Mulligan; J Keegan, M Brady; B McElvaney, P Barden (captain), P McCormack; R Smyth, F McGee, S McCormack..

Referee: Barry Cassidy (Derry)

Odds: Wicklow 2/1, Draw 7/1, Longford 8/15

Match Details: Aughrim; Sunday, May 26th; 3.30pm Tweet

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