Stephen Kenny: 'It's a kick in the teeth and we've had a few'

'We were only a minute away from a victory that probably would have been the best in Ireland’s qualification history'

Stephen Kenny with Seamus Coleman dejected after the game. Picutre: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Heaven knows that Stephen Kenny has had to absorb some heavy blows in the year since he first took charge of the Republic of Ireland senior team. None have landed with more force than Cristiano Ronaldo’s belated spot of thievery in the Algarve.

Two late goals from the 36-year old superstar denied Kenny and his side what would have been a result for the ages. As it is, all they’re left with it is a defeat and the consolation prize that is a performance to reignite hope and belief in the direction the collective is taking.