Kenny hopes brewing relationship with new assistant Eustace suits Ireland to a tea

After much was made of Anthony Barry's defection to Belgium, Irish manager is confident QPR coach stir up the national team

Brains trust: Manager Stephen Kenny, centre, with coaches John Eustace, left, and Keith Andrews during Ireland training session. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Likeminded chats over pots of tea in the English Midlands brewed up the relationship between Stephen Kenny and his latest assistant John Eustace.

At the start of an international year, used as a springboard for the European Championship qualifiers starting in 12 months, Kenny has turned to the Queens Park Rangers coach to replace Anthony Barry on his coaching staff.