Stephen Kenny on 'interesting' World Cup draw: We want to qualify, whatever way that is

RIVALS REUNITED: James McClean and Cristiano Ronaldo battle for possession in a friendly international between Ireland and Portugal in June 2014, the most recent clash between the two sides. Having lost 5-1 on that occasion, Ireland will hope to fare better against the Group A favourites in the upcoming Would Cup qualifying campaign. Picture: INPHO/Donall Farmer

The inky blackness and thickening ice made for a treacherous approach to the FAI’s headquarters in Abbotstown last night where Stephen Kenny was contemplating just how difficult a path lay ahead for his Republic of Ireland side after the qualifying draw for the 2022 World Cup.

“It’s an interesting draw,” said the Ireland manager after landing Portugal, Serbia, Luxembourg, and Azerbaijan. It was that. Could it have been kinder? Absolutely. Could it have been crueller? Well, just ask Northern Ireland how they feel about being lumped into Group C.