Standing between St Patrick’s Athletic and a spot in the Europa Conference League play-offs are one of the newest clubs in European football - but one with significant financial backing. Azeri side Sabah FK arrived in Dublin on Tuesday ahead of Thursday’s clash with Stephen Kenny’s side in Tallaght Stadium with a squad packed with internationals. And while the players are staying in the luxurious confines of the Castleknock Hotel, the club’s board and officials have treated themselves to a significant upgrade.
READ MORE: St Patrick's Athletic hero issues Euro warning ahead of third round clash READ MORE: Lee Carsley is set to take charge of England against Ireland next month They have splashed the cash on rooms in one of Dublin’s most expensive hotels, the Westbury, just off Grafton Street, where a one-night stay can cost as much as €3,900 for their most expensive room. Sabah FK were formed in 2017, just in time to join the Azerbaijan First Division for the 2017/18 season. They won promotion at the first time of asking and quickly established themselves in the top-flight.
Their best finish came two seasons ago when they finished runners-up to mega-rich Qarabag, while last season they finished third, earning them Conference League qualification. Sabah’s squad includes 10 internationals, one of whom will need no introduction to Pat’s manager Kenny. Vincent Thill was one of Luxembourg’s star performers in March 2021 when they stunned Kenny’s Ireland at the Av.