Offaly legend Michael Duignan says he expects Cork to drive on and try and retain their Allianz League title before embarking on championship duty in April.

The Rebels return to action in Division 1A this Sunday when they meet Kilkenny at UPMC Nowlan Park (3.15pm), where Ben O’Connor’s side will be looking to make it four wins from four outings in the league.

Three wins thus far means that the Munster champions are safe in the top flight but, speaking on the RTE GAA Podcast, two-time All-Ireland winner Duignan said he isn’t expecting them to go experimental in their remaining games.

"I think they'll drive on, I don't think you can think like that," he said. "It is a tricky one, there's no doubt about it. When we look back in the crystal ball, that we don't have now, come the summer, you can say it was a good thing or a bad thing.

"We saw Kilkenny when they were going really well in the past, they won plenty of leagues. You saw Limerick, very competitive in most of them."

He added: "Ben O'Connor is in his first year. He's been obviously very bullish in his interviews about loads of different things. You might agree with some and disagree with others, but he's not afraid to give his opinion. I think he's laid down the marker so I don't think he can just back off now.

"I'd expect Cork to drive on and try to make a league final."

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