Jeff Kenna has told his St. Patrick's Athletic players that victory over Monaghan United tonight is vital if they are to get back into European competition next season.

The Saints have enjoyed tremendous runs in Europe over the last two seasons. However, their league form this season will not see them qualify for Europe, leaving the FAI Ford Cup as their only potential route into the Europa League.

Having been held to a scoreless draw by Monaghan United in their first meeting, the Saints get a second chance to book their place in the quarter finals tonight.

The winner of tonight's match will play Waterford United in the RSC this Saturday - and Kenna wants to ensure that it will be his players making the trip south.

"Our success this season is solely with the FAI Ford Cup," he said. "Monaghan are obviously not going to lay down and let us go into the next round. So the players have to galvanise themselves and think that this is an opportunity to hopefully get back into Europe. This game is massive for us now."

Monaghan United lost 3-0 to Shelbourne in the league on Friday night but manager Mick Cooke is confident that his team can pick themselves up for tonight's match.

"I have every confidence that we can pick it up again for the St. Pat's game," he said. "I have had many happy memories at St. Pat's and I would like to come away with another one from my old club on Monday."