Westmeath's reward for finishing second in the qualifier section is a home quarter-final clash against Wexford tomorrow and manager Michael Ryan is excited about the challenge.

"Last year, they knocked the reigning All-Ireland champions (Clare) out of the championship, and followed it up by beating this year's league champions (Waterford)," Ryan points out.

"However, it is a battle of two management teams next Sunday. It will be a battle of wits."

The Lake County beat Carlow (2-19 to 2-17) and Antrim (1-21 to 0-7) to book their place in the championship proper.

They will, however, be without the suspended pair of Robbie Greville and Niall O'Brien for the visit of the Model County.

With a semi-final spot versus Kilkenny up for grabs, Wexford boss Liam Dunne is not looking beyond this weekend's clash.

"Michael Ryan, their manager, is a smart man and they will not have any fear of Wexford as they have a group of very good forwards.

"The bottom line is we will have to bring our 'A' game to this championship opener, nothing less will be acceptable. I am very pleased with the way our preparations have gone."

Verdict - Wexford.

Westmeath team: Shane McGovern; Shane Power, Tommy Doyle, Gary Greville; Aaron Craig, Aonghus Clarke, Alan McGrath; Eoin Price, Cormac Boyle; Alan Devine, Derek McNicholas, Liam Varley; Niall Dowdall, Brendan Murtagh, Darragh Clinton.

Wexford team: tbc.

Match details: Sunday, Cusack Park, Mullingar, 3.30pm.

Referee: Johnny Ryan.

Odds: Westmeath 9/1, Draw 25/1, Wexford 1/25.

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