New St. Patrick's Athletic manager Jeff Kenna believes he can help the club to land silverware during his debut season in charge.

The former Republic of Ireland defender took over at Richmond Park during the winter break. The Dublin native impressed during his first season in the League of Ireland, when he rescued Galway United from relegation, and impressed St. Pat's chiefs sufficiently for them to give him a call following the departure of John McDonnell.

Kenna will kick-off his St. Pat's career at Richmond Park this Friday - ironically, against Galway United!

Having signed players such as Mark Leech, John Lester and Gary Rogers, Kenna believes that his squad is strong enough to compete for the league title, although he admits that the club's fans would settle for victory in the FAI Ford Cup cup.

"I think they would expect me to win something, probably a cup," he said. "I think the FAI Cup. Their preference would be the FAI Cup. I'd like to think we would be challenging for the league. I honestly believe that we can. I think we have a squad that is good enough to compete"

The Saints do not have an ideal start to the new season, with several first team players missing from the squad. Jamie Harris, Gary Dempsey and David Partridge are all suspended, while Mark Quigley and Jason Gavin are injured.

"I'd prefer everyone to be fit and available and giving me a headache as to what the team would be, but that's not the case and we just have to get on with it," reflects Kenna.

"Whoever goes out and plays, I'm expecting it to be a competitive game and for them to do the things we've been working on in pre-season. We've had a couple of young lads training with the first team - Stephan Fitzpatrick and Athony Costigan - and I would think they'll come into the squad."