Stephen Kenny didn't hold back in response to TV pundit's criticism of St Pat's
Stephen Kenny 'couldn't believe it' when he heard that a TV pundit claimed his St Patrick's Athletic side was struggling to find an identity.
Former Shelbourne boss Ian Morris made the statement during Virgin Media's coverage of Shelbourne against Drogheda United last Monday. Pat's were thumped 4-0 by Shamrock Rovers on the same night.
Morris said: 'Where are they at the moment in terms of who they are as a team, team identity?
'Because they've got the players individually, it's how can Stephen Kenny get the best out of that squad?'
Kenny, speaking ahead of tonight's clash with Waterford, hit back, saying: 'I heard someone say about this team the other day on TV, I couldn't believe it, they said 'St Pat's don't have an identity'.
'They (Virgin Media) put it out all over social media, 'they have no identity', and there was a lot of criticism.
'But I think our identity is pretty clear. I don't think anyone could accuse any of my teams of having an identity.
'Whatever about maybe we don't have the physicality of other teams, I think that's fair to say. We could have other flaws you could point out.
'I think the identity of the team is essentially 4-2-3-1, that we build from the back, that we like attacking full backs, that we like wingers, that we play through midfield, that we press high.'
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Kenny added: 'How anyone can say we don't have an identity… we've a clear identity, but we just have to improve.'
One of the issues affecting St Pat's form this season - and their ability to field a settled team - is the injury strife that has afflicted them since the turn of the year.
Kenny heads into tonight's game with FOUR key midfielders missing.
His injury woes have been compounded by the news that Romal Palmer has suffered a setback on his road to recovery - and may need fresh surgery.
The midfielder went under the knife in London in March after he suffered a serious hamstring injury.
Kenny was hopeful that he would have the former Manchester City youth, who made 70 Championship appearances with Barnsley, back in the next few weeks.
However, he is now set for another extended spell on the sidelines, with Kenny saying: 'A midfield player who I had high hopes for is Romal Palmer, because in our European run last season he was brilliant, also as a 10 but he played two seasons as a six with Barnsley.
'He has had a setback in his comeback after his operation so he will be out for another period of time.
'He will be (back) later in the season. He has had a setback and it's unfortunate.
'He's a brilliant attacking midfield player, who can play as a number 10 in Europe. He's so adaptable. I'm gutted for him first and foremost.'
Kenny admitted that the talented 26-year-old was 'nearly back' and added: It's tough for him.
'He was here when I came in, he had a brilliant second half of the season. He is a terrific personality in the group.
'It's just one of those things. It's very disappointing for him but I'm sure he can come back over a period of time.'
Asked whether another operation might be needed, Kenny replied: 'It's possible.'
Kenny's midfield options have been decimated ahead of Friday's League of Ireland clash with Waterford. Chris Forrester (groin) is out, but he is 'pushing himself to be back soon.'
Jamie Lennon is suspended, while Kian Leavy, who missed the early stages of the campaign with a calf injury, is struggling with his ankle ligaments.
'Kian got a kick in the first five minutes against Cork, he played on for 25 minutes then had to come off, so it's ankle ligaments,' said Kenny.
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