'We need games' - Dererk Lyng prioritising league progression for Kilkenny

Kilkenny hurling manager Derek Lyng is keen for his side to be involved in the knockout stages of the league following their victory over Dublin on Sunday afternoon.

The black and amber ran out 11-point winners over a disappointing Dubs outfit at UPMC Nowlan Park, an outcome that keeps them on course to reach the Division 1 semi-finals. Next week's date with Waterford will decide who'll join Tipperay in the last four from Group B.

"We want to get to the knockout stages," was Lyng's response when asked by RTÉ Sport about his side's spring ambition.

"We need games. Waterford will be a big test, both teams will want to win. It's a great game to get, a game you want at this time of the year.

In the main Lyng was satisfied with the application the Cats showed right from the off against Dublin, a marked contrast to their below-par opening against Tipperary in their last home game.

"In the first half we were very sharp and hunted in packs, chased them down and made life hard for them, maybe stood off a little in the second half.

"Certain parts of our play were really good so we'll take positives from that, though we were a little sloppy at times in the second half and that's something we'll have to work on."

Dublin boss Micheál Donoghue summed up a lot of Lyng's thoughts of the game when saying: "Right from the off they set the terms and played the game on their terms and we ended up chasing it from way out.

"Our handling wasn't good right from the off. In previous league games we have been competitive and the training has gone well, but today our game didn't reflect the training. We have to go back to training now and push on again."

Donoghue's side on three points are not going to be relegated and naturally thoughts are turning to the