Kenny warns Pat's charges to be ready for 'streetwise' Vadiz 

Pats' manager Stephen Kenny celebrates after the first leg. Pic: Bryan Keane, Inpho

Stephen Kenny has warned his St Patrick’s Athletic side to avoid provocation when they protect a two-goal lead against “streetwise” Swiss league side Vaduz.

The Saints flew to Switzerland, and are staying in Austria but their game will be in Liechtenstein, the country whose lack of top-tier forces their Cup holders to compete over the border.

Vaduz progressed all the way to this competition’s group phase but were stunned by a 3-1 defeat at Inchicore. Their frustration was evident by a series of late tackles and friction at the final whistle.

“It was quite a physical approach from Vaduz – a very physical approach – and we have to be ready for that,” said the former Ireland boss, in line for a third-round meeting with Azeris FC Sabah, leading Maccabi Haifa 3-0 in their tie.

“We've to ensure we always play with 11 and can't react to provocation.

“There were a couple of off-the-ball challenges and things like that last week. Mason Melia took a few blows so it's important that we retain our focus and understand what we're going into.

“Vaduz are a streetwise team who are well schooled in all aspects of winning, be that with their blocks from every set play or the knocks our players took.

“We must remain calm. In the absence of provocation, we’ll try to control the game and be an attacking threat because we have players that can be a threat.” 

Kenny allowed one striker, Ruairi Keating, depart Sunday’s domestic deadline day and his replacement, Aidan Keena, is ineligible as he wasn’t recruited before the first leg.

Jake Mulraney’s early brace set the tone last week and despite the stifling July temperatures in the middle of Europe Kenny foresees lots of movement from his attackers.

“If we sit back, we’re inviting pressure as they have some very good players who can hurt you,” noted Kenny, in the Richmond Park hotseat since May.

“We have to show our attacking intent. Our four players, Jake, Mason, Zack Elbouzedi and Romal Palmer were very creative last week.

“They showed a high technical level and speed, real quality overall. We’re not the tallest team so we have to defend our box when we need to.

“We must penetrate ourselves with good play. The humidity and heat, not something we’re used to of course, means we have to adapt our press and style. There's an ability in our team to keep the ball and we must have confidence in ourselves. That’s the nature of our team.”