Davy Hyland and Kildare aiming to topple U-21 champions Dublin

Leinster Ul-21 Football Final

Dublin v Kildare, Páirc Tailteann, Navan, 7.30

All things being equal, Kildare probably shouldn’t be contesting this evening’s final.

Three years ago, at minor level, Dublin and Meath weren't just the best two sides in Leinster but also contested the All-Ireland final. So reaching this season's decider marks significant progress for Kildare. Naturally, they don't want to stop there and senior panellist Davy Hyland is confident they can bridge the vast divide that existed when Kildare faced Dublin in that minor campaign of 2012.

He was centre-back on the minor side that went down by double scores to a Dublin team managed by Dessie Farrell, as the under-21s are now.

“We were winning that minor game after half-time, about 10 minutes into the second half,” recalled Hyland.

“Whatever happened after that now . . . we’ll leave it there. We feel as individuals we’ve come on a lot since then.

“The scoreline probably flattered Dublin when we played them in minor. They ran away with it in the end but we were the only team beating them at any stage of a game that year and they went on to win the All-Ireland. We have the utmost respect for Dublin but we’re playing good football so we don’t need to fear them.”

Dublin yesterday drafted in senior star Cormac Costello to their line-up. He returns to the side following injury in place of Killian O'Gara who misses out due to an ankle injury.

It’s the sole change to the side that overcame Longford in the semi-final with a late six-point burst.