Loss of Heslin a big blow to Westmeath under-21s ahead of Laois clash

WESTMEATH's ambitions in this year's Leinster U-21 championship have been dealt a severe blow with influential midfielder John Heslin receiving a one-month suspension as a result of his red card during last Sunday's Allianz FL Division 3 clash with Cavan. St Loman's star Heslin received his marching orders during injury time in the drawn game (0-12 to 1-9) against Cavan, and his absence for Wednesday's under-21 trip to Portlaoise to face Laois is a major blow to a Westmeath team of which much is expected this year. Pat Flanagan, who manages the under-21s as well as the seniors, acknowledged that Heslin's dismissal and subsequent suspension is a major talking point in the build-up to the U-21 game in Portlaoise tonight (Wednesday, 7.30pm). However, he said the under-21s can cope with his loss. Speaking after the senior team ended a run of 15 successive defeats in the league, Flanagan admitted Heslin deserved a red card against Cavan. "Initially, I thought the red card was a bit harsh, especially as it was so late in the game, and I actually asked Martin Sludden (the referee) to have a look at it. But I've since seen it on video and it was fairly serious. He's got a one-month suspension and I don't think there's any grounds for appeal," said Flanagan. "John is an exceptional young footballer but I don't think it's right to put so much pressure or emphasis on any 19-year-old. John misses the game in Portlaoise, but we've plenty of other talented footballers, and it's a chance for someone else to come in and do well. "We had a meeting on Sunday evening and the lads had a good discussion, and they're very determined to do well in this year's championship. Obviously, we'd prefer if all our players were available but these things happen and you have to get on with it. We have a strong panel of players, with some exceptionally good young players in there, and we're looking forward and staying positive ahead of the Laois game." With Heslin ruled out, Darragh Daly (Mullingar Shamrocks) has been named at midfield, despite the fact that he has been struggling with a virus of late (see team line-out below). Daly will be partnered by David Keenan (Kilbeggan Shamrocks). Cormac Boyle has been struggling with a hamstring problem but should be okay to feature from the bench if required, but Darren Kilcoyne is out with a shoulder injury. Athlone's John Egan has been back in the fold of late after a difficult year spent recuperating from a knee ligament injury. And Flanagan is full of praise for Egan, although Wednesday's game has come too early for him to earn a starting role. "I admire the amount of effort and dedication John has shown during his recovery, and he's really an inspiration and a good example to anybody coming back from a long-term injury. This game has probably come a bit early for John but he could play a part from the bench," said the manager. This Westmeath U-21 team, with Maryland's Callum McCormack and Tubberclair's Ian Coffey listed to start in attack, are a highly rated outfit, having reached the Leinster final last year before losing to Dublin in the decider. During last year's run to the final, Westmeath found it tough going to see off Laois in Mullingar, and without Heslin in their ranks, they face a stern challenge in Portlaoise. Flanagan said: "There's big expectations surrounding this Westmeath team but it's going to be extremely tough against Laois. We've had some good challenge games recently and we can certainly beat Laois if we play to our potential. We have a very confident bunch of players and they've done everything that's been asked of them, but they need to produce it on the occasion." The Westmeath supremo is not happy that Westmeath's Leinster U-21 match has been fixed between two Allianz Football League games - the Westmeath seniors are away to Tipperary this Sunday (Thurles, 2.30pm). "I don't see the sense in fixing the under-21 match between two league matches. We have a handful of players who play at both levels and it's asking a big much to ask them to play so many games in such a short space of time," said Flanagan. Team line-ups Laois: John Dunphy; Alan Whelan, Kieran Booth, Sean George; Shane Murphy, Ciaran Farrell, James Nerney; Stuart Nerney, Kieran Lillis; Luke Doyle, James Doyle, Barry Kelly; Daryl Hayden, Donal Kinsgton, Gary Walsh. Westmeath: Eoin Carberry; Ben Moran, Kieran Sheridan, Kevin Maguire; Mark McCallon, Kieran Martin, James Dolan; David Keenan, Darragh Daly; Adam Corroon, Conor Lynam, Ger Egan; Ian Coffey, Callum McCormack, Tommy McDaniel. Moate CS v St Pat's Meanwhile, Moate Community School's Leinster Colleges SF 'A' Championship semi-final against St Pat's, Navan, looks set to take place on Saturday week (March 5). According to the Leinster Council, the game will take place at either Cusack Park or Lakepoint Park (both in Mullingar), and 2pm has been pencilled in as the throw-in time (TBC).