Stephen Kenny has urged two of his key players in Friday night’s win over Bohemians to take inspiration from PSG star Vitinha and keep proving their doubters wrong.
The St Patrick’s Athletic manager reckons midfielders Brandon Kavanagh and Barry Baggley have faced questions throughout their careers about their ability to play in the centre of the park.
But height hasn’t stopped PSG’s diminutive Portugal star from becoming one of the top central stars of European football.
Baggley was excellent in the win against Bohs, while Kavanagh’s delivery led to the Saints’ first-half opener, scored by Chris Forrester, and he was impressive throughout.
“I said to the players, particularly Barry Baggley and Brandon Kavanagh, because we've quite a small team, you won't get a smaller midfield probably anywhere in Europe, I said to them, take inspiration; Vitinha is not that tall,” Kenny revealed.
St Patrick's Athletic's Brandon Kavanagh and Dawson Devoy of Bohemians (Image: INPHO/Bryan Keane)
“How many times in your life have you been told that you're too small to play in the centre of midfield?
“Brandon has been considered a winger most of his life and Barry obviously… How many times in your life have you been told that? I'm sure it's in the hundreds.
“So you've got to disprove that theory and show that you're resolute, show your character so your talent can be displayed.
“It's a big motivation for them to do that because it's difficult when you don't have height or physical prowess. You get moved wide.
“Brandon has played most of his career out wide, but I think his attributes suit the central areas better. He said he hadn't played in the centre much in his career, mainly on the wing.”
Kenny added: “I wasn't comparing them to (Vitinha), but it just shows you, you don't have to be six foot two to play in there.”
Sign up for our League of Ireland news service on Whats App
Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Baggley and Kavanagh were both outstanding on Friday night, while veteran midfielder Forrester showed flashes of his greatness, particularly with his goal and with his contribution to late strikes from Mason Melia and Jason McClelland.
“Chris is an important player for us, over the season he will be a very important player,” said Kenny.
St Pats’ Barry Baggley and Graham Burke of Shamrock Rovers (Image: INPHO/Ryan Byrne)
“I am learning about him all the time. He's a deep guy, understanding him and being able to maximise his talent.
“I think there is more to come (from Forrester). He was behind at the start of the season because of fitness issues in terms of a bit of a groin, a bit of a foot injury.
“He was unlucky in Athlone at the end of a friendly when he got a bad foot injury. And then he got knocked by a virus as well.
“So he got hit with the power of three, as they say. He got hit with three things. It knocked him back. I feel he can still get fitter because the matches will help him.
“He has shown a lot of quality with two great goals in the last few games at home here and from play.
“A really important goal tonight, an opener. And then a great pass in the build up to the second goal as well.”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox bysigning up for free email alerts.