Budapest offers Stephen Kenny an opportunity to end his first year on a high

The Ireland boss admits he would like to “have done better” in his first 12 months in charge but believes  his long-term project will pay dividends

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: After a challenging first year at the helm, Stephen Kenny will hope his long overdue first win as Ireland manager will be a sign that brighter days lie ahead.

How it could have been… Stephen Kenny has reminded us of the penalty shootout defeat to Slovakia many times since that disappointing night in October, so it was interesting to hear him hold court on the task facing tonight’s opponents in the approaching European Championships.

Marco Rossi’s side have two games on home soil in the coming weeks but they have the unenviable task of keeping their heads above water in a pool that contains Portugal’s reigning continental champions, World Cup holders France, and a German side whose reputation, while dented, remains strong.