Football Association Of Ireland

The Boys in Green return to the Aviva Stadium for the first time since last November’s 1-1 draw with Denmark in the EURO 2020 qualifiers. The managerial batten has been handed on to Stephen Kenny since then and before the Tallaght man has EURO play-off against Slovakia there is Sunday’s UEFA Nations League game against Finland (kick-off 5pm).

Kenny will be using the game against the Finns as preparation for the play-off but with the possibility of a back door route to the Qatar 2022 World Cup the game has added importance.

The Kenny era began last Thursday in Bulgaria and the new manager reflected on what he called “a confident display” in Sofia when speaking at Saturday’s pre-match press conference.

“Bulgaria didn't press us high so we couldn't utilise the speed we have in the team when space is at a premium,” said the former Dundalk boss. “The balance of the team was good overall and I felt we controlled the game. We got punished by their goal but we had to keep going.

“Our midfield passing was exceptional with good movement but we didn’t penetrate their backline enough. Our front three showed good movement and created a few chances but couldn’t quite score so it was great that Shane Duffy got up to get the equaliser.

Posted by voc1967 on Sunday 06 September 2020 - 09:31:01 | Comments: 0  |  

Shane Duffy cost Ireland a goal but then rescued a point in stoppage-time on Stephen Kenny's managerial bow. 

The captain - who signed for Celtic this week - had endured a miserable night and was to blame in allowing Bozhidar Kraev the freedom of Ireland's penalty area to slot home the opening goal on 56 minutes.

But he redeemed himself when climbing highest to head a Robbie Brady corner into the bottom corner on 93 minutes. 

New boss Kenny had earlier made a statement with his team selection when doing what none of his predecessors had ever done - leaving captain Seamus Coleman on the bench.

Posted by voc1967 on Thursday 03 September 2020 - 20:57:17 | Comments: 0  |  

A new era for Irish football begins in Bulgaria tonight as Stephen Kenny takes charge of the senior international side for the first time in the UEFA Nations League clash at the Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia. 

The former Dundalk manager steps up from the Under-21 role to lead the side throughout the Nations League, the Euro 2020 play-off and on to the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. 

Two years in the making, Kenny was promised the job back in 2018 at the same time that Mick McCarthy was announced as the senior manager for the Euro 2020 campaign. 

A controversial call at the time that led to all sorts of speculation as to when exactly Kenny would take charge, however, the Covid chaos has proved calming in one aspect at least, as former manager McCarthy left his position with Euro qualification still in the balance. 

Posted by voc1967 on Thursday 03 September 2020 - 10:10:15 | Comments: 0  |  

Manager Stephen Kenny has picked Jayson Molumby and Adam Idah in his first Republic of Ireland squad, with Glenn Whelan, Jack Byrne and Sean Maguire among the players to miss out.

Waterford-born Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Molumby and Cork native Adam Idah, the Norwich City striker, both receive their first call-ups to the senior squad in a 23-man group for the Nations League openers against Bulgaria and Finland.

Aaron Connolly and Troy Parrott have also been included having worked under Kenny. 

Posted by voc1967 on Monday 24 August 2020 - 11:38:04 | Comments: 0  |  

We have the predicted starting teams for the Republic of Ireland v Denmark this evening, knowing an Irish win will secure automatic qualification for Euro 2020.

Mick McCarthy, Ireland manager
“There’s always a big performance in us that can win a game. We drew in Denmark and had a few chances. Nevertheless, it was a great performance and a great result for us. If I don’t believe it, I might as well go home and I’m not going home any time soon. People’s opinions don’t concern me because it’s on the day. You can be better all the time round but I’ve seen a lot of cup finals.”

Åge Hareide, Denmark coach

“Our players have respect for Ireland. I have said it myself: the team looks good, they are well organised, they are hard to beat,” said Hareide.

“All our players say they don’t like to play Ireland, and that means respect when players say that because if you said you love to play Ireland, there would be a difference.”

Posted by voc1967 on Monday 18 November 2019 - 12:00:47 | Comments: 0  |  

The Republic of Ireland missed the chance to qualify for Euro 2020 on Tuesday as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Switzerland and had Seamus Coleman sent off.

Switzerland capitalised on a good start in the 16th minute as Haris Seferovic swept home, giving the Republic of Ireland - who could have qualified with a victory - a mountain to climb.

Posted by voc1967 on Tuesday 15 October 2019 - 20:59:53 | Comments: 0  |  

The Republic of Ireland can seal their place at Euro 2020 with a win tonight.

Mick McCarthy's side head into this evening's away match in Switzerland still unbeaten in Group D.Ireland sit top the table - and are level on points with second placed Denmark.

McCarthy is expecting a tough, tight, game tonight.“I sincerely hope with 20 minutes to go, that is the case.“If you consider the way the results went, our point against Georgia looks like a good point, strangely enough.

Posted by voc1967 on Tuesday 15 October 2019 - 15:24:57 | Comments: 0  |