Saturday 31 October 2020
Twenty-one-year-old made debut for Stephen Kenny’s men against Finland on Wednesday.
Ireland have shown plenty of encouraging signs over the last week, but the bare stats show there is still as serious problem in front of goal.
After a week like no other, a much-changed Irish squad featuring seven players under the age of 22 seek a first win under the new manager.
Ireland have two big qualifying games next month after losing out to Italy this evening.
‘People need something to look forward to’, said Kenny, and he described the Irish team as ‘the pinnacle of sporting life in Ireland.’
The player is now out of the squad for the game in Finland.
The remaining games will have a major role in deciding Ireland’s path to the 2022 World Cup.
Aaron Connolly won’t be back for the trip to Finland, but Dara O’Shea, Jason Knight, Ryan Manning and Ronan Curtis will travel.
The Irish boss lost five players over a single Covid positive test last night, with four players identified as close contacts because of seating on the plane.
An understrength Irish side, weakened by Covid-19, showed more signs of encouragement but again failed to score.
With the Euros dream dead, Ireland need to start getting results to improve their seeding for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers draw.
James McCarthy is also doubtful for tomorrow’s home clash with Ryan Giggs’ side.
Kenny showed last night the progress he has made with his players, but it’s too little too late for Ireland’s Euros hopes.
New Grasshopper loan signing Connor Ronan is hoping to help Jim Crawford’s side overcome Italy.
Stephen Kenny’s men were a penalty shootout away from the play-off final.
The Irish boss heralded his players for showing ‘tremendous qualities as Irishmen.’
It was a heartbreaking night as the Irish side were beaten on penalties.
Ireland faced Slovakia, for a chance to play Bosnia or Northern Ireland in the final.
In just his third match in charge, Stephen Kenny will lead Ireland in a crucial Euros play-off against Slovakia.
Matt Doherty admits fans have yet to see the best of him in an Ireland jersey.
Stephen Kenny leads Ireland into tomorrow night’s European Championship play-off in Slovakia.
David Sneyd and Johnny Ward join Gavan Casey and Gavin Cooney to preview Ireland’s Euro 2020 play-off on our new show, The Punt.
Republic of Ireland winger Callum O’Dowda looks ahead to Thursday’s crucial clash with Slovakia.
Stephen Kenny has a number of big calls to make for Thursday’s Euros play-off.
The Irish boss nonetheless says his side won’t be cautious in Thursday’s playoff against Slovakia.
‘I think he’s good enough to at least get in the squad,’ Nathan Jones said of the 29-year-old striker.
Stephen Kenny spoke to the press today as he announced a 25-man squad for an upcoming triple-header, one of which is the Euros play-off with Slovakia.
Robbie Brady and Callum O’Dowda have also been included by Stephen Kenny despite carrying injuries.
The defender has joined the Hoops on loan from Brighton.
Plus, more talking points from the Ireland manager’s first two games in charge.
It is much too early to judge the new Irish boss, although that hasn’t stopped some.
The Irish boss said his players’ lack of match sharpness played a part in defeat to Finland.
Ireland faced Finland in the first home game of the Stephen Kenny era.
Finland provide the opponents at the Aviva Stadium this evening.
David McGoldrick, meanwhile, is unlikely to start against Finland tomorrow evening.
A foot injury meant the Sheffield United striker missed the match away to Bulgaria on Thursday night.
The 19-year-old Cork-born forward was handed his senior international debut in Stephen Kenny’s first match in charge.
The Irish boss also praised Aaron Connolly after placing faith in the youngster.
Although he initially looked uneasy with the new style, Shane Duffy showed some of Ireland’s traditional strengths to rescue a draw in Bulgaria.
Ireland had to settle for a 1-1 draw in Stephen Kenny’s first game in charge.
