Stephen Kenny praises St Pats' 'calmness and intelligence' in ...

And after a 1-0 win away over a 10-man FC Sabah, a 2-0 aggregate win and only the second time in the club’s history in Europe that they won both legs, Saints boss Stephen Kenny played down the personal significance of a major victory in his 50th tie as manager in UEFA competition.

“The players were excellent and I’m really thrilled with the performance. We’ve won three of the four European ties. It’s an excellent effort from the players,” Kenny said as he now turns his attention to a play-off round clash with Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir, the first leg set for Tallaght Stadium next week.

“They were difficult conditions, a passionate home support and we are delighted to win both games; nothing is easy, you have to fight for the right to do that, and thankfully we did. The feeling wasn’t massively euphoric in the dressing room afterwards, there’s no doubt it should be,” Kenny added.

“We know we’re in the play-off, the level of euphoria wasn’t what you might expect because we now have two games in six days. They have really good attacking players, we were under a bit of pressure early in the game but the players showed great calmness and intelligence in their defending.” ​

Even with a 1-0 advantage from the home leg, the Saints knew they’d face a stern test in the heat of the Azerbaijani capital, backed by a 12-strong travelling support. But again the indiscipline of Sabah – they had a man sent off in the first half in both legs – and the Saints’ attacking edge got them through the tie.

Pat’s had started slowly and it looked like it would be a tough night, with early chances for Sabah and their senior international attackers like Pavol Safranko and Kaheem Parris, and some less-than-convincing saves from Joseph Anang.

But Pat’s soon settled, with Tom Grivosti and Joe Redmond in control at the back, aided by the brilliant midfield pair of Jamie Lennon and Chris Forrester.

The game turned when the hosts were reduced to 10 men, a straight red for Soufiane Chakla for a foul on Romal Palmer. That knocked Sabah off course and Pat’s looked stronger as the half wore on, despite not creating many chances. ​

Sabah needed a response in the second half but they gave the initiative, and the tie, to the away side.

Jake Mulraney, a player whose career has been revived by Kenny, whipped in a free-kick which Mason Melia and Zack Elbouzedi challenged for. Elbouzedi appeared to get a touch but it went off Rahman Dashdamirov and past the ’keeper.

Pat’s refused to wilt and instead of sitting on the lead, pressed for more, with chances from Palmer and Forrester while sub Kian Leavy made an impact.

A good effort from him on 88 minutes forced a save from goalkeeper Yusif Imanov and Pat’s were comfortable seeing out the game.

“It was a difficult draw and I just wanted the players to experience getting through the tie like that,” added Kenny.

“I’m really delighted for the players because it gives them confidence. I’m learning about them, they’re learning about me. We’re improving together and it’s a big win for us.”

FC SABAH: Imanov; Seydiyev, Chakla, Irazabal, Letic; Khaybulayev (Dashmadirov 30), Camalov (Nuriev 78); Parris (Alasgarov 58), Sekidka (Seyidov 78), Mickels; Safranko (Aliyev 58).

ST PAT’S: Anang; Sjoberg, Redmond, Grivosti, Breslin; Lennon, Forrester (Bolger 73); Mulraney (Leavy 78), Palmer (Kazeem 90), Elbouzedi (McClelland 90); Melia (Keena 73).

REF: M Birsan (Romania)