Ulster SHC Semi-final; Antrim v Down; Casement Park, Sunday, 3.30: It's hard to get too excited about this one considering neither team is contesting the Liam McCarthy Cup, and are in fact soon to meet again in the first round of the Christy Ring Cup.

Down have not beaten Antrim in the past five years and that's one reason they'll start as slight underdogs. They did survive in Division One after beating Laois in the relegation final and that will give them the confidence to have a good crack at Antrim.

With the backroom problems sorted out as well, the mood is good in Down. Experienced defender Gary Savage has also overcome his hamstring injury and is fit to start, as is corner forward Eoin Clarke. Fellow forward Martin Coulter is always capable of a goal or two.

Yet Antrim's overall league form should ensure they progress. Manager Jim McKernan has brought fresh consistency to the team, and for a while there were on course to make the play-offs of the league.

Yet McKernan will be a little worried with the performance against London last Sunday, where their five-point win was anything but convincing. Full back Michael McCambridge suffered a bad knee injury in that game, and McKernan will be looking for a better return from the forwards. With McCambridge ruled out, Gavin Bell moves to the full-back position, and Conor Cunning returns to midfield. Still, Antrim's strength and experience to prevail.

ANTRIM: D Quinn; B McAuley, G Bell, G Cunningham; M Molloy, K McKeegan, J Campbell; C Cunning, C Herron; M Dallas, M Herron, B Quinn; J McIntosh, P Richmond, B McFall.

DOWN: Graham Clarke; L Clarke, S Murray, S Roddy; Gabriel Clarke, G Savage, K Courtney; A Savage, C Coulter; P Hughes, P Braniff, G Adair; M Coulter, B McGourty, E Clarke.