Johnny McDonnell: Stephen Kenny taking St Patrick's Athletic job would be phenomenal

If St Patrick's Athletic are able to appoint Stephen Kenny as their next manager, it would be a "phenomenal" coup for the club, according to former Saints captain and boss Johnny McDonnell.

Former Republic of Ireland, Dundalk, Derry City, Bohemians and Longford Town manager Kenny has been increasingly linked with the vacancy which opened up at Richmond Park following the decision to sack FAI Cup-winning head coach Jon Daly last week.

Since parting ways with the Irish national team set-up last November, it had been thought that Kenny was keen on finding a management role further afield.

But over the weekend, reports suggested that St Pat's were in advanced talks with the 52-year-old in the hope that he could replicate the huge trophy-laden successes he had achieved previously within the League of Ireland.

Speaking on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast, McDonnell said Kenny could prove to be transformational for the Inchicore club if they are able to cement their interest in him into something concrete.

"With the quick departure of Jon [Daly], I think they obviously have someone in place," he said, adding that he was not in the know about which prospective candidates Pat's may be negotiating with at present.

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"But to get Stephen in, with the history of what he's done in the league, would be phenomenal for the club.

"I think he's got a good feeling for Pat's. And the things that he's done, and we think