Former Kilkenny hurler Brian Hogan joined Thursday night's Off the Ball to preview the Bord Gais Energy Under-21 All-Ireland Hurling final.

The Cats have endured a difficult year losing early in the both the Leinster and All-Ireland Championships with their minors not fairing much better.

However, Eddie Brennan's under-21 side are due to face off against Limerick this Saturday and Hogan believes a Kilkenny win will be a huge boost in the county.

"There's definitely additional focus and pressure on the '21 this year," he told Dave McIntyre, adding: "I agree with other years maybe when the seniors are winning you can take your eye off the ball a bit where it's a nice night to win whereas now it's nearly a must-win.

Kilkenny's Liam Blanchfiled. Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

"Not so much a must-win but certainly there's a hope that we can get over the line this year with the '21s because if we could it would definitely lift spirits.

"You know having got knocked-out so early in the senior, people started talking about the potential of the minors and the '21s...could we get to the final of both of them or competing at least and then things would look more positive then. We've got a good strong base of young guys coming through then to pick from. 

"So the minors were unlucky to be beaten by a very strong Galway side but this '21 team, obviously after the disappointment of last year, Eddie (Brennan) and the lads have really got the things together this year and there is a sense of hope more so than anything else that the guys can get over the line.

"There's certainly some talent in that team but obviously Limerick, it's a serious outfit Limerick have this year. There's a lot of senior experience and guys who have won under-21 All-Irelands.

"Physically they're a very strong side as well and Limerick tend to compete very well at this level as well...they know how to win. They'll obviously be favourites. 

"Within the county, I'd be expecting a good crowd to travel from Kilkenny at the weekend for the match because it would definitely give things a boost if the lads could get a result," he added. 

The full discussion can be heard here: