Is a defendant constitutionally entitled to have unexhausted claims heard on the merits when not afforded counsel in initial review state habeas corpus proceeding?

1. Is a defendant constitutionally entitled to have his unexhaust ed claims heard on the merits when Defendant was not afforded counsel in the initial review (IAC) state habeas corpus proceeding? 2. Is it necessary for a court to consider -trial-counsel claims on the merits in order to determine wheth er said claims are "substantial?" i