Kerry and Kildare Under 21's ready for All Ireland battle

It is an unusual pairing at any GAA grade and while Kerry supporters are used to claiming silverware, for Kildare Under 21 boss Glenn Ryan it's a case of guiding the young Lillywhites to claim All Ireland honours that eluded him 10 years ago.

Kildare will be appearing in a final decider in the grade for the first time in 32 years at Semple Stadium, Thurles this Saturday.

The last time Kildare won an All-Ireland Under-21 crown was way back in 1965, while the last time they contested a final was in 1976 against this year's opponents Kerry.

Kildare beat Wexford in the Leinster final last month to capture their ninth provincial title. They then put in an impressive performance to beat a fancied Down side to book their final slot.

There may have been calls for the U21 grade to be scrapped in recent years with some critics arguing it may be contributing to player burn out but

Kerry captain Killian Young sees the competition as a platform for young stars to propel themselves onto the big stage.

The Kingdom star is also cutting it at senior grade and came face to face with his opposite number Gary Whyte at Croke Park in the company of GAA President Nicky Brennan.