Keepers a cause for concern as Stephen Kenny ushers in bright new era

None of the three goalkeepers in the Ireland squad have been playing regular first-team football with their clubs

Mark Travers of Bournemouth 

Not everything is falling neatly into place for Stephen Kenny. There is a sense that the new Republic of Ireland manager has, global pandemic aside, taken the reins at an opportune time. Young and exciting players are filtering through the system, helped on their way by his own stint in charge of the U21s.

His first squad announcement, made this week ahead of the Nations League games against Bulgaria and Finland, was an oasis of positivity as he talked up the potential of individuals who could do great things for their country.