Uefa Nations League draw: Sweden the team Ireland will most want to avoid

Behind Sweden, Ukraine would be the second least desirable, compounded by the travel element, but Stephen Kenny’s declaration could gain substance if both of those are dodged

Manager Stephen Kenny during a Republic of Ireland training session. Pic: Stephen McCarthy, Sportsfile

Ten games, no wins, and just two goals — the Uefa Nations League, heralded as the antidote to mundane friendlies, has yet to befriend Ireland.

It can only get better and, for Stephen Kenny’s sake, the third edition of the competition has to, once Ireland discover their group opponents this evening.