
Despite leading at the break, Laois were reeled in by Clare in Portlaoise on Saturday.
Laois manager Justin McNulty is standing by his players, and taking responsibility for their recent struggles.
The O'Moore County has lost two of their last three games to miss out on potential promotion to Division Two of the National Football League.
McNulty and his players were beaten by four points against Clare on Saturday in Portlaoise.
Laois led by six points at the break, but lost Damon Larkin from midfield midway through the second half and with it, an element of control in the game.
McNulty says the loss of Larkin to injury could have been handled better: