A week of progress for Stephen Kenny’s Ireland, by any measure

Ireland were still unsteady on their feet approaching this last week. They walk away from it with a spring in their step, two wins bagged, seven goals scored, and none conceded

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, left, celebrates with coach Anthony Barry at the Aviva Stadium. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Progress. Such a simple word but it spews complications. As with players ratings, it’s a moveable feast that depends on your own appetites. The goalposts tend to shift depending on who’s taking the shots and who’s on the defensive.

Stephen Kenny’s Ireland have teased signs of a team growing into itself this past 13 months. Problem was that it hadn’t been maintained. Ireland’s form guide has been an accordion of hope, expanding one minute and squeezed the next.