League Preview: St Patrick's Athletic -v- Shelbourne

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St Patrick’s Athletic will be hunting the first win of the Stephen Kenny era on Monday night when they host Shelbourne (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Saints were defeated by Derry City on Friday night as Kenny began his tenure in charge with a defeat. 

And that leaves the Athletic 12 points off the top just 17 games played - with Shels sitting pretty at the summit.

But when asked about his side’s title hopes this year, Kenny said: “I wouldn't think we're in this title race being realistic.

“I looked at the squad and didn't feel we would be ready for a title challenge realistically, I knew that for sure. 

“I don't know, we'll take it, we'll see how it goes, I haven't set targets. 

“Obviously we're looking to rebuild for next year as well. We want to win matches and finish up as high as we can.”

SHELBOURNE

Leaders Shelbourne head to Richmond Park looking to build on Friday’s narrow 1-0 win over Waterford. 

Sean Boyd’s second-half goal was the difference between the two teams to keep the Reds on top of the pile.

And that leaves Shels in a good place heading into another Dublin derby against Kenny’s St Pat’s. 

The fixture will also see Kenny and Damien Duff reunite for the first time in opposing dugouts since they worked together with the Ireland senior set-up. 

“He is a League of Ireland legend, he has a CV and a trophy cabinet that I and we can only envy at the moment,” Duff said, via the Irish Independent, on Kenny. 

“He’s been the shining light of the league for many years. I’m pleased he’s back, the impact I’m sure will be positive.

“He knows the league inside out, he knows the players, he knows how to galvanise and like I said, all I’m worried about is not looking at other clubs and what’s going on there. 

“It’s all about Shelbourne now and what we can as a staff do to keep improving Shelbourne. 

“So Pat’s, well done, okay it shows amazing ambition, a five-and-a-half year deal, but for me it’s all about Shelbourne.”

Referee:Rob Hennessy.

PREDICTION 

St Patrick’s Athletic 2-1 Shelbourne

St Patrick’s Athletic 

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None. 

Shelbourne 

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.