Qualification dream can still be realised, insists upbeat Kelly

IF there was one man who dominated the headlines the last time Ireland played the Czech Republic it was the then West Brom employee Paul McShane.

But he isn’t the only recent addition to Steve Staunton’s squad who can look back on that as a seminal night.

Stephen Kelly made his international debut in the friendly against Chile in May of last year. It was a difficult experience for the Birmingham City player, particularly the first half hour when his nerves and inexperience at that level were there for all to see.