Lilies look to finish Europa job in Oriel Pk
EUROPA LEAGUE
LIKE many people, Stephen Kenny would much prefer a trip to Cyprus than Sligo but he insists his side still have work to do to make sure that happens.
Should Dundalk advance past Levadia Tallinn in Thursday’s second leg at Oriel Park (kick-off 7.45pm) then a second qualifying round tie against AEK Larnaca is the prize, with a week to prepare for the first leg at home on July 26th. Should they lose though then it will be off to The Showgrounds to face Sligo Rovers on Sunday (kick-off 7pm).
That game won’t proceed if Dundalk advance on Thursday and Kenny would be happy to see it off.
Dylan Connolly’s goal in the first leg in Estonia last week has put the Lilywhites in the driving seat to meet the Cypriots but Kenny insists there is still work to be done before any travel plans can be made.
‘It was an important win but it’s only half-time and we still have a job to do,’ he said.
‘There’s still a game to be won there and the tie is still in the balance. It’s such a slender margin really.
‘ It was a good performance overall but we have to back it up now at home this week. It’s regrettable that everyone has to be seated and we can’t get in more than we can but there’s a lot of interest and it would be great to get a home win in Dundalk in Europe.’
On only 18 previous occasions has a League of Ireland side won both legs of a European tie with Dundalk’s only victory in this record coming in 2014 when they beat Juenesse Esch of Luxembourg 2-0 away before winning 3-1 at home.
Kenny insists this shows that Dundalk can afford to take nothing for granted in Thursday’s second leg.
‘Levadia are a very well prepared team. Their coach was the assistant coach for Serbia in the previous World Cup that they were in. They had 10 days abroad training before the game and they’re a strong unit. Their expectation is to do well in Europe.
‘I think we deservedly won out there but we’ll have to earn the right to win on Thursday again. Just because it’s at home doesn’t make it easier.
‘We can take nothing for granted. We’ll have to earn the right to win it to make sure we get through.
‘I think it will be a pretty even game. We’ll have to earn the right to win. Harin down the left flank is a threat. Debelko was quiet on the night but you still can’t give him any chances because he is a good finisher. Both full backs are good crossers of the ball and they have very good deliveries from set plays and long throws so we’ll have to make sure that we’re ready.
‘It’s only half-time at the moment. We’re 1-0 up at half-time, that’s all. If we were to lose 2-1 we’re out. We’re 1-0 up at halftime so we’ve got to make sure that we go and finish the job.’
The manager has a number of injury doubts for the game. Michael Duffy is continuing to struggle with a groin problem while John Mountney is struggling with a thigh injury sustained in training. Stephen O’Donnell (broken leg) and Stephen Folan (knee) remain sidelined.
Kenny also said it is likely to be too early for Patrick McEleney, who travelled to Estonia and was put through his paces but failed to make the match day squad.
The boss had plenty of praise for his first leg match winner Dylan Connolly, who has responded well to Kenny’s public endorsement for him at the end of April with ever-improved displays.
‘Dylan is having a really good spell,’ he said.
He has been involved in 10 straight wins in the league. He makes the pitch really wide for everyone else because he stretches teams. The runs he makes make space for Jamie McGrath, Robbie Benson and players like that. Certainly full backs don’t enjoy marking him because of his electric pace.
‘His overall game is improving. It was a great run for the goal. He timed it brilliantly and that made it an easy finish. He was so quick off the mark and timed it well. He set up Pat Hoban brilliantly as well for his chance. He’s getting better and understanding his role more.’
Kenny also praised Hoban for his recent contribution after he was named June’s Player of the Month winner.
‘It’s great for Pat. There can’t be any question about it that he deserves it. He’s had a terrific run and the challenge for him now is to keep it going until the end of the season. Hopefully he will stay injury free and have a big impact.
‘He has shown great leadership and great determination. He wasn’t fully fit for the first month of the season but he has come on and shown terrific qualities.
‘His goals are only part of the story. He really has been making a great overall contribution to the team.’
Last week saw Sam Byrne complete an 18 month transfer to Dundalk following his release from Everton, who had loaned him to the Lilywhites for the first half of the season while Marco Tagbajumi also departed.
On Marco, Kenny said: ‘Marco is 29 years of age and he needs to play.
‘It’s very frustrating when you move country and don’t play so he needs to go and play and we respect that. It was difficult for him here because opportunities were limited because Pat Hoban was doing so well and so consistent. That limited Marco’s opportunities but Georgie Kelly has come in and he has a lot of
attributes so hopefully he can settle in well and do well here.
‘Sam Byrne had a very serious injury and it’s never easy coming home and mentally readjusting to life in Ireland again having been at Manchester Utd and Everton. In recent weeks he has really knuckled down. You need three strikers. Georgie Kelly is cup-tied in the League Cup as well so it’s competitive.
‘Sam was centre forward for the Republic of Ireland U-21 international team and was capped at every level but he just needs to get himself in the best condition possible and he has a lot of natural goalscoring instincts,’ said the manager.
Asked would there be any more new arrivals, the manager said: ‘Not really, no.’
Kenny also hinted there was unlikely to be any more departures.
‘I don’t think so because we have a lot of matches ahead. We’ll see how Europe goes in terms of matches but I don’t see too many going out,’ he said.