Kenny keen to see further improvement in weeks ahead

Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny was on hand to speak to the media after his team’s fantastic victory over Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium this afternoon.

With a busy few weeks ahead, Kenny must be more aware than ever about the need to use the full depth of his squad in order to keep his stars as fresh as humanly possible.
 

“Obviously we rotated the squad so some of the players got a chance today, players who have played most of this season Dane Massey, Brian Gartland and Gary Rodgers did not play today.

“There is of course an element of risk to this, leaving our leaders out of the team in a game like this but it gives chances for players to emerge and they did that today.”

The winning manager when then asked about his side how his side’s composure all over the pitch may have given them the edge, had this to say: “I never felt comfortable in the game Shamrock Rovers are a good side they played well in the first half, I felt the opening goal was important in the game, Rovers pressed us well they can mix it up with their style of play.

“We were never as fluid as we could have been, we had a lot of players come in like Shane Grimes, Jamie McGrath and Gabriel Sava. Ee had few changes coming in but they equipped themselves very well.

“To win a trophy is great, we have a tough semi-final next week against Shamrock Rovers we have to make sure that we go again.

The Lillywhites could possibly do a domestic cup double as they face Rovers once again on Sunday 1^st of October this time at their ground of Oriel Park.

Dave McMillan was on the minds of the media due to his Man of the Match performance and how does he compare in terms of playstyle of Sean Maguire and how his midfield could have done better in some parts of the game.

“Sean has done brilliant, David also has improved elements to his game that he was weak at headed finishes especially, Dave didn’t score headed goals a few years ago, attacking the ball from crosses is something he has really worked on in training and now he’s reaping the awards for it.

“I think our midfield could of functioned better overall in the last couple of weeks. They have played much better at times, the three we had in midfield today can do better, but they did well today. We have to raise the standard when we play them again in two weeks.

“The whole performance we will have to step up a notch when we play them in the FAI Cup and we will certainly be looking to do that.”