THE LIAM Kearns revolution in Laois football has certainly stalled during the National League campaign with two draws and five defeats the return as they were relegated from Division One.

That 2003 All Star defenders Joe Higgins and Tom Kelly have returned to the panel is an immediate positive, but the improved physical presence that Kearns spoke about when he took over from Mick O'Dwyer in 2006 has yet to materialise. Naturally, such a change in mindset takes time.

"He has put a lot more emphasis on weights and actually building our size but at the end of the day we are not a team of 30 lads over six-foot," explains another veteran defender Aidan Fennelly. "Our main thing in this current squad that we have is pace. All the weights in the world won't grow you six or seven inches in height. We'll bulk up but as long as we can take the belts and run faster than everyone else that's what it is all about for us."

Of course, the poor league form is irrelevant once the right mix is unearthed come summer football: "We're going to be down after getting a few defeats and being relegated but when the sun starts shining and the championship comes around you will be back in top form. We'll put the league behind us.

"It's great to have them (Higgins and Kelly) back. The lads must be there 12 years now. They got married and had a few things going on in their lives. They got a break from it but got itchy feet. No intercounty footballer can just give it up like that.

"I'd say they were always going to come back. They just needed a break. We needed that experience and they are two top-class players. In a small population like Laois we need everyone."

A perception now exists that Laois's consistent excellence at underage level cannot be translated to senior football. Following the 2003 Leinster title, three provincial deciders and a National League final have ended in defeat. The arrival of Colm Kelly and John O'Loughlin is proof that at least the quality is still coming through.

"You want to be winning trophies," Fennelly continued. "Getting to finals and losing them, you get sick of that. Believe me, I've lost four of them. Every year you have to be building and getting further. We need to start winning trophies, building our team and getting up there with the top teams. Everyone is saying we are just below them but we need to get on a par with them and begin challenging for Leinster titles and All-Irelands."