Kinsella kicks off FAI’s ambassador programme

Seventeen months after hitting out at the lack of coaching opportunities in the FAI for ex-internationals, Ireland captain Robbie Keane will be pleased with the association’s new ambassador programme.

Last week, former skipper and defender Kenny Cunningham was part of the backroom staff for the Ireland U15 double-header against Scotland in Kerry, while Mark Kinsella is due to hook up with the U16s this week for a Uefa tournament.

Kinsella, who won 48 caps between 1998-2004 and started all four games at the 2002 World Cup, will be the ambassador for the matches in Dublin against Austria, Czech Republic and Denmark.

Speaking yesterday, Ireland U16 manager Tom O’Connor outlined the role which the former Charlton and Aston Villa midfielder will have.

“Having met Mark, I know that he’ll be a major help to the 22 players in the squad, given the experiences he gained during his playing and managerial career,” O’Connor said of Kinsella, back in Ireland as John McDonnell’s assistant at Drogheda for the new League of Ireland season kicking off next month. “We have a lot of players in the panel about to join English clubs in summer, so Mark will provide an insight into what they can expect.

He’ll also be involved on the coaching side. Overall, I think the ambassador programme is a great initiative by the FAI.”

Meanwhile, Ireland have entered the hunt to acquire the allegiance of 15-year-old wonderkid Ethan Ampadu, son of former Ireland U21 and Arsenal striker Kwame.

Arsenal, for whom his father works as a coach, are understood to have tied the Exeter City midfielder down on a pre-contract ahead of Manchester United and Liverpool but the jostle for his services is equally intense at international level.

The midfielder trained with England but played against them for Wales in their U16 Victory Shield triumph. Ampadu also qualifies for Ireland through his grandmother.

“We are aware of Ethan’s ability and his eligibility to represent us,” confirmed O’Connor.

“It’s early days yet but we’ve made enquiries and he is certainly a player we are interested in.”

“He’s been involved with other national squads in recent months so won’t be with us for this tournament starting at the weekend.

“We’ve another set of internationals next month, so maybe then.”