Westmeath forward Kieran Martin admits that the loss of so many key players has hampered their preparations for the Leinster SFC quarterfinal against Laois.

The Lake County look see to be without up to eight players that featured in last year's championship. Any county would feel the effects of such a turnover.

And Martin told the Westmeath Independent that the loss of such experienced players like Frank Boyle, James Dolan, Kevin Maguire, Killian Daly, Tommy McDaniel, Mark McCallon and possibly John Heslin is massive, although he added that it does afford other players the opportunity to shine.

"Preparations have not been ideal to say the least. It's well documented that we are missing a number of experienced players and, of course, not having them is a big loss to everyone involved," said Martin.

"Notwithstanding that this is a great opportunity for some of the younger members of the squad to make a name for themselves. We are going to have a number of players coming into this game who have very little experience playing championship football.

"That's why it its important for the likes of myself and some of the more experienced players to take on extra responsibility on Saturday evening. But we have some skilful forwards and I think we have the fire-power to overcome Laois."

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