Linfield tracking Institute striker O’Flynn

Institute's Stephen O'Flynn shields the ball from Portadown defender Keith O'Hara. Picture by Lorcan Doherty/Presseye.com

Nevertheless he is hoping the Cork native will decide to stay at the Riverside Stadium, despite moves linking him with a move to Belfast  giants Linfield.

It’s thought the Blues are tracking the former Derry City frontman, who has bagged nine league goals  this season.

Warren Feeney also admitted that he’s looking to strengthen his side, as they look to close the gap at the top of the Premiership table.

“I’m always thinking about what players would strengthen the team and we are looking at a few strikers,” stated the Blues gaffer.

Despite all this Kee remains hopeful that O’Flynn will decide against a move away from the club and remain at Drumahoe.

Since signing last January, O’Flynn has certainly been a player for the big occasions.

During the Championship One title win last year he netted 13 goals, in fact he scored crucial goals against title rivals Bangor and  Carrick Rangers.

“I have heard the rumours also about Linfield, but I have spoken to Stephen about our situation and him staying with us,” he stated.

“I have talked to him about what has happened to him and the club in his last 12 months, I have told him for us to stay in the Premiership we need all our key players and since he has come in  he has been superb”

Kee also acknowledged that his squad could always be taken apart by other clubs during each transfer window.

In fact just before August’s window closed he lost duo Michael Doherty and Darren McCauley to Coleraine.

“But people have to recognise this as well that we are always going to be respectable for clubs coming in for our better players,” he added.

“It’s very difficult to manage and it can be very frustrating as well, because as a manager or a coach you are back to the drawing board again and you have  to start again.

“Unfortunately experienced players like O’Flynn and Michael Doherty just don’t fall out of trees for you all the time, you have to dig deep to try and replace them.”

Kee also admits that after such a great start to the season he probably should have been even at that early stage of campaign be looking to strengthen his squad.

“In fairness I should maybe have had a review at the start of the season because with us in the Premiership and us starting so well people got away above themselves but we are working hard with the group of players we have and we  have done OK.

“Granted we want to stay ahead of a certain set of teams but at the end of the day I knew that there was going to be a levelling out period and that’s where we are at currently, but we have to work through it,” he concluded.