Kilkenny defender Brian Hogan remembers his championship debut against Wexford four years ago as being "a baptism of fire". Speaking ahead of Sunday's Leinster SHC final, Hogan admitted that he is still haunted by the 2004 provincial semi-final which the Cats sensationally lost to a last-minute Michael Jacob goal. Kilkenny have since dominated fixtures between the two counties, but Hogan is expecting Wexford to pull out all the stops this weekend. "They must really be bursting out of their jerseys to beat Kilkenny at this stage," he said. "I know a few of the lads and I know that they're fierce competitive and they're top hurlers - and they're not going to be listening to bookies and listening to statistics and this, that and the other. "They're going to be listening to their hearts and on Sunday when they see us standing in front of them for a Leinster title. They're going to do everything in their power to get past us." Hogan has established himself in the centre back position, but admits that every starting member of the Kilkenny team is always under pressure to hold his place. "The position is there and it's a clean sheet every year. Even during the year, if a guy's form dips and there's another guy that's playing better and deserves a shot and you know that, it brings credit when you know you're there as a sub. "You're there for a reason and you will get a chance. It's up to you to get your own performance right and you will get a shot then." Tweet

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