Brian Hogan is expecting Kilkenny to build upon their two opening Leinster Hurling Championship victories after a subdued start to their campaign.
The Cats have collected wins against Dublin and Offaly but have drawn criticism for the nature of their underwhelming performances.
Kilkenny travel to All-Ireland champions Galway on Sunday, who have also won their opening two games.
But former hurling star Hogan believes the change of format to this year’s championship has played a significant role in his county’s poor showings.
“You don’t have as much time to prepare against the opposition as maybe you would have in other years,” Hogan told Off The Ball.
“There’s a few questions out there but I think as the weeks go by, every team is going to have questions posed to them. Each game is going to present its own challenges.
“Padraig [Walsh] is such a good hurler that he can play in any position. He’s certainly doing a job at fullback, he is certainly the best fullback we have at the moment.
“There are questions not just of him but just because the pressure fell on him doesn’t necessarily mean that’s where the problem lies. Sometimes it is out the field and the quality of the ball that’s being played in.
“There are questions but overall Brian will be pleased with how things have panned out so far. There were a number of debutants in the first match against Dublin.
“I think he’s looking at the Galway match in Salthill – that’s the real test. When you have to go away and play in the opposition’s territory, your backs are against the wall, you’re outnumbered in terms of supporters – he’ll learn a lot from his players.”
Pundits have suggested the pressure will be off Kilkenny this weekend thanks to their perfect start to the Leinster Championship.
But Hogan does not expect manager Brian Cody to allow his players an easy ride when they travel to Pearse Stadium.
“There’s no doubt that Brian will be approaching the game to have the lads ready and the only thing on their minds will be a win,” Hogan said.
“Brian doesn’t know any other way and neither do Kilkenny. The players will be focused going up to Salthill and getting a result.
“The priority is getting out of the group and if it’s in top place great. Whoever is going to win the All-Ireland will have to beat Galway because they are the favourites.
“Having got the two wins under the belt and being top of the group – the pressure is off to a certain extent. But at the same time, I’ve never seen a Kilkenny team with Brian in charge that doesn’t have a winning mindset.”
Written by James Hopper
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