St Pat's boss Tim Clancy is planning to bring in new signings this summer.
And former Saint Luke McNally’s move to Burnley will help swell the coffers at the Inchicore club.
Burnley expect to lose new Ireland star Nathan Collins this summer and snapped up McNally, 22, yesterday on a four-year deal as defensive cover.
Oxford rejected three bids but finally accepted a fee in the region of €2 million, which could bank St Pat’s up to €350,000 because of sell-on clauses.
Saints boss Clancy managed McNally while he was on loan at Drogheda United from St Pat’s in the 2019 season.
And Clancy said: “I think there’s a very, very high ceiling for Luke having worked with him at Drogheda.
“It was very early in that ceiling that we decided he would have a right chance to play at any level he decides really, from his physical attributes.
“He did well here at St Pat’s. I don’t know the details of any contract (clauses) but there is a kick-back that the club gets some money.
“But listen, the chairman here (Garrett Kelleher) supports and backs managers fully so money coming back in the door for younger players is a good model.
“It’s something I think more League of Ireland clubs need to do. But Luke is young and I’m sure he’s got a very bright future ahead of him.”
Clancy hinted at defensive signings of his own and said: “There will be a few changes.
“James Abankwah’s last involvement was on Monday against Shamrock Rovers. He’s going to Udinese at the weekend.
“We’ll be hoping to get a few players in, in a good few areas. We’ve targets there and we’ll see how that goes.
“We need bodies in the defensive area but we’ve kept 10 clean sheets so it’s not like the defence has been struggling.
“It’s just the last couple of games that we’ve conceded four goals. It’s every area we have to strengthen.”
Sam Curtis was in a protective boot and on crutches at Monday’s 2-1 defeat to the champions at Richmond Park.
The teenage defender damaged his ankle in Friday’s 2-2 draw away to Finn Harps and the Saints are sweating on his availability.
Clancy said: “We don’t know yet as his results from his MRI have to come back. We hope it’s not too bad but I’d say he’ll be out for a few weeks.
“It’s an interesting one saying you’re going to miss a 16-year-old in your back four. It shows how well Sam has done.
“When the window opens we’ve got to try to get some players in to help the younger players in the squad and also the older ones as well.”
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