Keena believes Pat's need maximum points to dethrone Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers are six points clear at the top of the Premier Division but St Pat's have a game in hand

Aidan Keena: 'You don't want to have all these personal awards and no actual team trophies.' Pic: Paul Phelan/Sportsfile

SWI/SSE Airtricity player of the month Aidan Keena feels it is likely St Patrick’s Athletic need maximum points on their run-in to dethrone champions Shamrock Rovers.

Three wins on the spin by a resurgent Hoops lifted them six points clear at the summit but Pat’s have a game in hand, starting with the visit of Shelbourne to a packed Richmond Park on Friday night.

For the last of their four games on the final night of October 30, against the third contender Bohemians, to be relevant, margin of error is incomprehensible.

“That's probably the best-case scenario at this stage but really we must look after Friday first to make that possible,” the Mullingar native said about the final hurdles.

“We’re where we want to be at this stage of the season. Shamrock Rovers have picked up again recently but, for us, three points against Shelbourne on Friday is all we're focussing on at the minute.” 

Former Hearts and Cheltenham Town forward Keena admits the long layoff over the international break was inopportune given how their revival launched them into the title race.

“It's not ideal, obviously,” he confessed, echoing the stance of his manager.

“At this time of the season, you'd rather keep that continuity by playing the games, but it is the way it is.

“We just worked hard the last few weeks, had plenty of friendly games and we'll see on Friday where we are. We definitely still feel fit and sharp.” 

Put simply, Pat's must be primed to capitalise if Rovers stutter, as they did towards concluding last year’s fifth title in six years.

Keena is at an age when these opportunities, for a club without a title since 2013, must be availed off. He’s yet to win a domestic major honour.

“You don't want to have all these personal awards and no actual team trophies,” he outlined. “It's not as easy as just working hard because you need things to go your way.”