European ticket allows Pat's to play Cup final with freedom, insists Daly

Jon Daly admits hitting the target of European qualification allows his St Patrick’s Athletic side the luxury of approaching Sunday’s FAI Cup final with license to play with freedom.

Since the former Ireland Under-21 striker stepped into the managerial post in May after his boss Tim Clancy was moved on, the Saints mounted a late challenge to Shamrock Rovers’ quest for four-in-row before coming up short.

They’ve also taken the long way around to the Aviva, prevailing in the regions against holders Derry City, Finn Harps, Longford Town and Cork City to reach the decider against Bohemians.

The Saints were thrown into turmoil just days after they won the last final two years ago, also against the Gypsies, when manager Stephen O’Donnell quit for Dundalk.

Together with owner Gareth Kelleher, Daly has plans to use his first season at Richmond Park as a springboard but believes the campaign won’t be defined by whether they lift their fifth Blue Riband in the club’s history.

“Regardless of what happens it has been a successful season for us,” asserted the former Dundee United and Rangers striker.

“That's the message we'll try to get across to the players.

"Yes, it is a big occasion, a huge game and there is such a massive opportunity to win a trophy (but) we will hopefully have that bit of freedom to go play and cause them problems. I think we’re joint second top scorers with Dundalk in the league, just behind Shamrock Rovers so we certainly know where the goal is.

“It’s now bringing that into the game on Sunday and making sure we’re an attacking threat and cause them problems.” 

Conversely, only victory on Sunday will reclaim one of those lucrative tickets into the Europa Conference League (for Bohemians).

A St Pat’s