Neither side has been setting the world alight so far. Derry remain a puzzle because they should have the wherewithal to win possession and use it while defending effectively. They have outstanding players in all sectors but the whole package hasn't been delivered to date. Laois also have a good sprinkling of talent throughout the field but still made very hard work of Clare, a game but limited team. In the end it was the midlanders' greater economy in attack that gave them the advantage.

They're still not a side that threatens goals in a way that would discomfort Derry. And in a points-kicking contest, for all the talent in Laois's full forwards, it's hard to see them getting the better of the Northerners.

Derry: E McCloskey; G Doherty, K McCloy, SM Lockhart; K McNally, G Coleman, F Crossan; A Tohill, F Doherty; J Donaghy, J Niblock, J McBride; P Bradley, E Muldoon, G Diamond.

Laois: F Byron; P Leonard, E Delaney, D Ryan; D Brennan, P Conway, J Higgins; J Kealy, N Garvan; I Fitzgerald, M O'Brien, Shane Cooke; Brian McDonald, C Parkinson, C Conway