Stephen Kenny wants tyros closer to action in World Cup salvage bid

Familiarity and return of crowds key to Ireland manager's rescue plans

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny speaking to kids taking part in the INTERSPORT Elverys Summer Soccer Schools at Templeogue United FC in Dublin. Picture: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Football didn’t quite come fully home for England but Ireland manager Stephen Kenny is planning to bring Ireland’s home closer to his players for September’s World Cup qualifiers.

All four of Kenny’s matches as Ireland manager at Aviva Stadium were played without a fans, a situation thankfully behind them when Azerbaijan and Serbia visit the venue four days apart.