GAA: Kildare manager Jason Ryan has made three changes to his team to face Monaghan

Kildare manager Jason Ryan has made three changes to the side that edged past Clare a fortnight ago as the Lilywhites aim to return to the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

Eoghan O’Flaherty came from the bench that day to help rescue his teammates with a three point contribution, and replaces Gary White against Monaghan at Croke Park on Saturday evening (19:00).

Michael Foley comes in at fullback for Emmet Bolton while Tomás O’Connor comes into the forward line in place of Padraig Fogarty.

Monaghan stick with the same team that surrendered their Ulster title to Donegal as Malachy O’Rourke’s men seek a second successive All-Ireland quarter-final for the first time in their history.

Devastated

The Leinster semi-finalists trailed by six going into the final 25 minutes against Clare, but scored the final seven points to oust the devastated Munstermen.

O’Flaherty was pivotal in kick-starting that comeback and Alan Smith kicked six points, but Kildare will need to significantly improve if they want to challenge the Ulster outfit.

Many felt that the Farney County, conversely, played the better football in the Ulster final defeat to Jim McGuinness’ attritional side.

Monaghan midfielder Darren Hughes believes that his side are ready to bounce back from that defeat, which was particularly frustrating given their impressive advancement through Ulster with wins over Tyrone – a first in the championship – and Armagh, albeit with a replay needed.

We had never beaten Tyrone in the championship so it was a big hurdle for us to get over.

“We have had time now, met and talked about, and assessed, what went wrong against Donegal,” said the Scotstown clubman.

“Donegal brought a ferocious intensity to the game. We were well-prepared for that from our previous championship games, but we just fell short and it was disappointing after we put in the work to beat Tyrone and Armagh, which were big lifts for us.

“We had never beaten Tyrone in the championship and it was a big hurdle for us to get over. So we still have the confidence we can bounce back. No doubt about it.”

Kildare never really got close to Meath in Leinster’s last four, going down 2-16 to 0-17, but Ryan’s charges know what it takes to negotiate the qualifiers.

The Lilywhites are aiming for their sixth All-Ireland quarter-final in seven years, having missed out by a point to Tyrone at this stage last year.

Impressive

From 2008 to 2012, they were ever-presents at the All-Ireland quarter-final stage, a statistic made all the more impressive considering they last won Leinster – and an automatic berth in the quarter-finals – in 2000.

If Kildare advance, they will face Dublin should Meath beat Armagh. If both Kildare and Armagh win, a draw will be held to determine who will face the Dubs and Donegal.

A Monaghan win would set up a quarter-final clash with Dublin, but first they need to muster a first championship win at headquarters since 1930.

And Hughes is hopeful that this Monaghan side of 2014 can put that right after 84 years: “Now we’ve the chance to get back, win that championship game in Croke Park; we’ll be putting our best foot forward.”

Watch Kildare take on Monaghan live from Croke Park at 7pm this Saturday on Sky Sports 3