Liam Buckley praises new signing Aidan Keena

Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley praised his new signing Aidan Keena, following his side’s 2-1 victory away to St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday night.

Keena, who previously played under Buckley at Richmond Park, scored Sligo’s second after Colm Horgan opened the scoring in the first half.

Speaking to extratime.com, Buckley said “he’s a good player.”

“We had him down here at St. Pat’s a few years back and he was always going to have a chance. That’s why I re-signed him. He was over in Scotland, and it didn’t work out too badly for him. It was a good opportunity for us to get him back.”

Following a spell four-year spell in Scotland with Heart’s, Queen’s Park, Dunfermline and Falkirk, the 22-year-old is hoping to make a big impact at the Showgrounds this season, especially with the club having lost Johnny Kenny to Celtic.

“His effort is fantastic. I remember playing myself and I would have put in a shift, and he definitely puts in a shift. He can take a tackle, he’s hardworking and he’s a good finisher. I can see him getting his fair share of goals this season if he keeps fit.“

After seen their opening game of the season postponed due to Storm Eunice, Buckley was pleased with the result but admitted that his side had to dig deep for the three points. Tunde Owolabi’s late strike set up a nervy finish for the visitors. The crossbar denied the Saints a 93rd minute equalizer before Sligo emerged with all three points.

“I won’t say it was a great performance, but we dug in.”

“The last ten minutes we were off our feet, but overall, I’d be quite happy with the effort the lads put in bearing in mind where we’re at.“

“We had no game last weekend. St Pat’s have a couple of games under their belts. The result is what it was about tonight, and I thought we performed ok.”



Noting the strength of the League of Ireland this season, Buckley added that every point will be vital as club’s battle for European spots.

“We won’t be getting carried away, it’s a good result. I think with St Pat’s, Derry, Bohs, Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Sligo and Shels, there’s six or seven teams trying to fit into three of four spots there. It’ll be a dog-fight.”

The Bit O’Red are on the road again on Monday night to face Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.

    About Seán O'Connor

    View Full Profile