St Pats await feedback from Stephen Kenny about succeeding sacked FAI Cup winning boss Jon Daly

St Patrick’s Athletic will persist with their pursuit of number one target Stephen Kenny beyond Friday’s derby against Shamrock Rovers after opening negotiations with the former Ireland boss to fill their managerial vacancy.

Saints owner Garrett Kelleher is on the hunt for his fourth boss in 30 months after sacking Jon Daly of his duties in the aftermath of his seventh defeat of the 15 league games, Monday’s 1-0 reverse at Sligo Rovers.

It’s also understood Stephen Rice, currently working on John O’Shea’s interim coaching staff with Ireland, is on the shortlist as a potential back-up option. The Dubliner was previously in charge of Crystal Palace’s U21 squad.

Kenny began his coaching career with the Saints as their U21 boss in the late 1990s, the precursor to a decorated career in the League of Ireland and Scotland.

Since the 52-year-old’s three-and-a-half tenure as Ireland boss was ended by the FAI last November, he’s had approaches from two other former clubs, Bohemians and Dundalk, but ultimately spurned their overtures.

He retains ambitions of managing abroad - Plymouth Argyle shortlisted him before appointing since sacked Ian Foster and there were links to the Port Vale vacancy - but Kelleher is renowned for his powers of persuasion.

News of Daly’s midday sacking wasn’t accompanied by an update on the caretaker boss for Friday’s trip to face the champions Shamrock Rovers. That was only addressed later when Daly’s sidekick, Sean O’Connor, was installed on an interim capacity while they await developments with Kenny.

Although it’s believed Kelleher is eager to land the big name of Kenny, wage demands will be critical.

Anything close to the €560,000 annual salary he ended his FAI stint on is unrealistic for all parties