Old rivals Clare and Offaly meet in the hurling qualifiers in Limerick today, knowing the winner goes

on to play All-Ireland champions Kilkenny in the quarter-finals.

Offaly have announced an unchanged side from that which lost the Leinster final to Wexford for today's tie.

Talisman Brian Whelahan, who was an injury doubt as he recovered from a troubled hamstring, is included in the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Clare manager Anthony Daly has had to deal with an unsettled squad this week.

Defender Gerry Quinn was axed from the panel on Monday on disciplinary grounds.

The Banner also have injury concerns. Full-back Brian Lohan and forward Alan Markham are expected to return but doubts remain about their fitness.

Lohan has a hamstring injury, while Markham is struggling with an ankle injury.

OFFALY (SH V CLARE): B Mullins; B Teehan, G Oakley, D Franks; Brian Whelahan, N Claffey, C Cassidy; M Cordial, Barry Whelahan; G Hannify, R Hannify, B Murphy; B Carroll, J Brady, D Murray.