Stephen Kenny: ‘60% to 70% of our best players are defenders’

Stephen Kenny: Hoping Ireland can finish third in the group. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Stephen Kenny has admitted the proliferation of quality defenders has influenced the tactical evolution of his Ireland team.

Ahead of Tuesday night’s friendly against World Cup hosts Qatar, the Ireland manager declined to agree with a proposition that his switching to a formation utilising wingbacks coincided with the arrival onto his coaching staff of Anthony Barry in February.