Kildare's league campaign may have ended in relegation from Division 1 but Johnny Doyle is optimistic that the young team set to face Louth on Sunday will be ready for the challenge.

While many of the team are relatively inexperienced at senior inter-county level, the Lilywhites legend is happy with the balance in the team.

"It's exciting. A lot of U21 lads are coming through . There's youthful exuberance and raw talent. There's not a better stage than Croke Park to do that and hopefully we see the best of them on that stage," said Doyle, name-checking Emmet Bolton and Mick Foley among the more experienced names who can help the younger players along.

But he does believe that Louth have a slight advantage, havin gone Championship game under their belt, although he highlighted Eamonn Callaghan's key role for the Lilywhites.

Tune into the match live on Off The Ball this Sunday. Throw in is at 2pm.