The importance of Kildare’s Allianz League Division 2 comeback win over Clare last Sunday wasn’t lost on their manager Glenn Ryan.

After losing to Dublin and Cork in the first two rounds, the unpalatable prospect of playing in the Tailteann Cup this summer loomed large for the Lilywhites when they trailed by six points after having Ben McCormack sent off on a second yellow card in the 50th minute at Cusack Park.

But the 14-men dug deep to outscore the hosts by 0-9 to 0-1 down the home straight, culminating in substitute Neil Flynn’s winning free.

"We probably found ourselves in a position we shouldn't have been in," a relieved Ryan told RTÉ.

"But they worked hard to get themselves out of it and we're delighted to get the two points in the end. It was hugely important for us to get something out of today's game and we weren't hiding behind that fact.

"It was very good in that regard, that understanding the significance of the game and the position we found ourselves in, that the lads didn't back away from it and were able to show a lot of what makes them proud Kildare men."

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