Wexford's hurlers have been one of the sporting stories of 2017.

Promoted from Division 1B under the stewardship of Davy Fitzgerald, a sense of excitement has returned to the south-east that has not been seen in many years.

Under the Clare native, Wexford reached the Allianz League semi-finals where the lost to Tipperary. In that match, Fitzgerald entered the field and clashed with Tipperary's Jason Forde.

The Wexford manager was subsequently banned for eight weeks and will miss this weekend's game against Laois. Wexford star Lee Chin says that despite Fitzgerald's absence, they team will still be prepared for this weekend.

Speaking to GAA.ie, Chin revealed that Fitzgerald's standards are still driving on the team in recent weeks.

"I know definitely he is still having his impact, with the contact that he has with the selectors. He is feeding stuff through to them and they are feeding stuff back to him after training."

Despite Fitzgerald's enforced absence, he is still in regular contact with the team Chin revealed.

"A lot of contact on the mobile, and things like WhatsApp, and that... In terms of training he’s only there in spirit, so all we can do is be in contact in any way we can."

"I’ve sat down with him on a couple of occasions, met in certain places. In some ways it is difficult, but at the same time Davy is making the most of it, doing what he can."

If Wexford overcome Laois this weekend, a game against Kilkenny awaits in the Leinster Championship semi-finals.