Goal hero Hogan to start for Kilkenny

Richie Hogan, Kilkenny's "super sub" from last week's drawn game, has been handed a starting role for today's Erin All-Ireland Under-21 hurling final replay against Tipperary (Semple Stadium, throw-in 3.30pm).

The 18-year-old, who is a nephew of the legendary DJ Carey, came off the bench to slam home a vital injury-time goal for the Cats at Croke Park and keep his county's hopes alive of winning a third U-21 title in four years.

Hogan, who hails from the Danesfort club, comes in at right corner forward for Alan Healy in the only change manager Adrian Finan has made to his side.

Liam McCarthy Cup winners John Tennyson, James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick and Richie Power have all retained their places.

Finan, who, back in 2004, guided James Stephens to their first county title in 23 years, is demanding an all-round improvement from his players.

He said: "If we’re going to win the game, we’re going to have to improve. Whichever team wins the replay will be the one that shows the biggest improvement from last week.

“That’s it - simple as that. And if we don’t improve, we don’t deserve to win it. We’ve got room for improvement and I assume Tipperary will have room for improvement too."

The Kilkenny management are admittedly unconcerned about Tipp playing at their 'home' venue today. Fr. Tom Fogarty's side are unbeaten in Thurles in this year's championship, after Munster wins over Clare and Cork.

“It’s their home ground, but it will only be a slight advantage. That’s all it is, a slight advantage," Finan added.

KILKENNY (U21-HC v Tipperary): L Tierney; K Joyce, J Tennyson, S Cummins; P Hartley, J Dalton, D Fogarty; J Fitzpatrick, M Fennelly (capt); TJ Reid, A Murphy, P Hogan; R Hogan, R Power, D McCormack.