Ken Hogan is expecting tomorrow's Bord Gais Energy All-Ireland U21HC final between Clare and Kilkenny to go to the wire.

Hogan, whose Tipperary team lost to a Niall Arthur injury-time goal in the Munster final, gives Clare a great chance of repeating their 2009 All-Ireland triumph over the Cats.

"I am looking forward to a rip-roaring game, which is very difficult to call. Thurles is a big field, which will suit Clare, who have some great ball players like Seadna Morey, Tony Kelly, Aaron Cunningham and Podge Collins. Clare have some very classy forwards and hurlers, who are also able to mix it physically and they will not be overawed by the big occasion," the former Tipp goalkeeper told The Clare Champion.

Hogan believes Kilkenny will use their heavy defeat to the Banner in a challenge match earlier this year as a motivational tool.

"Kilkenny will be smarting a bit, having suffered a heavy defeat in a challenge game against Clare earlier this year when they conceded seven goals. However, there is a big different between challenge and championship games, so I don't think this defeat will be a big factor in the final.

"It will be important for Clare to get off to a good start. Kilkenny like to dictate the game from the start and if they get too far ahead, they can be hard to overhaul." Tweet

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