There are two obvious roads open to Kildare at this stage. If the win over Dublin proves therapeutic, we can expect a liberated team to play with a confidence and lack of hesitation - both largely missing in the past - and prove too much for a Laois team near the start of a team-building cycle. Conversely, they can maintain the erratic patterns of recent years in which case a Laois victory should surprise nobody. Evidence suggests the former outcome. After all, Kildare have worried away at the big time for long enough. A number of their players can remember the Leinster finals of 1992 and '93, both defeats by Dublin but neither comprehensive. Virtually all have been through five full-house matches in Croke Park in the last year (three against Meath and two against Dublin).

That gives a team substance even if only the recent replay against Dublin was won. Laois, with their significant input from the All-Ireland-winning minor teams lack the physical maturity which comes from the routine contesting of these sort of matches.

In addition is the quality of Kildare's midfield diamond. Niall Buckley's authority at midfield in the Dublin matches was marked and beside him, the strong and mobile Willie McCreery provides an excellent foil. With Glen Ryan behind them and Declan Kerrigan in front, Kildare can control the match. Laois are inexperienced in this area and also have doubts surrounding centre forward Hugh Emerson who has the power and technique to dispute matters with Ryan.

A good display and evidence of evolution may be all Laois take out of this but Kildare will have to demonstrate more economy up front if defeating Meath in the Leinster final is to become a reality.

Kildare: C Byrne; B Lacey, R Quinn, S Dowling; J Finn, G Ryan, A Rainbow; N Buckley, W McCreery; E McCormack, D Kerrigan, D Earley; M Lynch, K O'Dwyer, P Graven.

Laois: F Byron; M Buggy, E Delaney, J O'Reilly; D Conroy, D Rooney, C Parkinson; T Maher, N Garvan; D Lalor, AN Other, M Lawlor; S Kelly, D Sweeney, C Conway.