Kenny hails Jay after Saints stalwart takes centre stage in Europe

STEPHEN KENNY has hailed Jay McClelland for stepping out from the shadows and into the European spotlight for St Pat's.

- BY PAUL O'HEHIR

McClelland was the Saints' man-of-the-match in Thursday's tense 1-0 Conference League win over nine-man Kalju, a result that puts St Pat's in control going to Estonia.

And if they hold their rivals at bay on Thursday, the Inchicore men will face the loser of the Europa League tie between Besiktas and Shakhtar Donetsk.

As it stands, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Besiktas are the most likely opponents as they lost Thursday's first leg 4-2 at home.

McClelland (28) has been at St Pat's since 2020 but hasn't always been a starter and when he does play, he could be deployed in any number of positions.

Lately, the attacking midfielder has been playing at left-back but has also popped up on the left wing and in the middle of the park.

But Kenny has hailed McClelland's professionalism for refusing to cave when opportunities were hard to come by, after becoming a key man in Europe this year.

Ex-Ireland boss Kenny said:

“No, he hasn't (always been a starter), and hasn't always been in the squad - he's been in the stand in the past.