Stephen Kenny's quest for style and success faces first test in Sofia

New boss sends out message of hope ahead of Ireland bow in Bulgaria

Stephen Kenny walks the pitch at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia, Bulgaria. Picture: Alex Nicodim/Sportsfile

Michel, the cultured Real Madrid and Spain midfielder, once spent an afternoon staring in horror at the object of his desires sailed back and forth over his head at Lansdowne Road. Thirty-one years later and the plan is to replace the Irish reliance on the long ball with lofty ambitions.

The new gaffer hasn't been shy in declaring his twin-tracked approach: qualify for major tournaments and do it while playing a brand of football that puts the boot into this country's reputation for physical prowess and aerial assaults.