Charlie Carter believes Kilkenny are even stronger than last year when they completed the four-in-a-row at Tipperary's expense.

However, he admits they were lucky to come out on top on that occasion.

"They got a hell of a fright against Tipperary in last year's All-Ireland final," the former Young Irelands and Kilkenny attacker said.

"Obviously trying to match Cork's four-in-a-row seemed to weigh heavily on the day. We didn't think it did coming into it, but on the day it seemed to.

"Tipp were a bit of an unknown last year, this year the players know each other better. I think Kilkenny are better prepared this year, they are moving a lot slicker. But it's anyone's ball game.

"We saw last year, with seven minutes to go, Kilkenny were in trouble until we got that lucky break. Tipp got a lucky break in 1991 in my first year on the panel and I think Kilkenny got it last year.

"With seven or 10 minutes to go last year, it looked like the cup was heading back from the Marble City to the Premier County. I remember turning around and saying to a guy beside me 'Jim, I think we are in trouble here'.

"From a neutral's point of view, everyone is hoping for the same kind of classic as last year." Tweet

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