Stephen Kenny: Ireland building a team to cope without defectors such as Grealish and Rice

Ahead of Thursday’s friendly with England, there is a renewed focus on the FAI’s recruitment policy

anager Stephen Kenny poses for a portrait following his Republic of Ireland squad announcement at FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Stephen Kenny believes the Republic of Ireland are on the cusp of producing a side good enough to do without talents such as Jack Grealish and Declan Rice.

Ahead of Thursday’s friendly with England at Wembley, there is a renewed focus on the FAI’s underage recruitment policy having missed out on two extremely promising talents.