Kenny urges Saints to 'get back on track' with win over Hoops

It's make or break for the Inchicore side.

St Patrick's Athletic manager Stephen Kenny. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Crunch time arrives for St Patrick’s Athletic as the visit of leaders Shamrock Rovers represents make-or-break time for Stephen Kenny’s side.

Elimination by Bohemians in the FAI Cup on penalties last Saturday dashed their double dream and a third straight defeat at home on Friday would all but likely prolong the silverware absence at Inchicore for another year.

Conversely, if the Saints record their first league win of the season over the Hoops, they could snaffle top spot on Monday by following it up by beating Dundalk on Monday at Oriel Park - as Rovers are idle.

Kenny, headhunted by owner Garrett Kelleher in May 2024, is aware of this fixture’s magnitude.

They share second with Bohemians, both six points adrift of a Rovers side with sights on the glory of a sixth title in seven years within their hands.

“When one considers how many setbacks we’ve had this season, yet we’re second in the table with seven games left and the league leaders coming to Richmond Park,” said former Ireland boss Kenny.

“We’ve got to get back on track and bring the level of performance that we need in Richmond Park.” 

He must do so without injured playmaker Kian Leavy, while Rovers will be missing Danny Grant, Danny Mandroiu, Victor Ozhianvuna and Naj Razi.

“It will be a good game, another Dublin derby which are usually good contests,” said Rovers boss Stephen Kenny. “Both teams will go to win the game so I expect it will be a good one.” Elsewhere, Bohs can keep on the coattails too if Alan Reynolds can overcome a Galway United team led by his former boss John Caulfield at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Cork City will be joining in the top flight next season having secured promotion last week. They host Cobh Ramblers at Turner’s Cross and it will be interesting to see if their neighbours provide the customary guard of honour to newly-crowned champions of the First Division.