Knight hopes to help bring back the shine as he backs under-fire Kenny 

Derby midfielder was a rare light of hope against Ukraine and he is adamant Ireland can turn it around over next two games

Leading from the front foot: Republic of Ireland players, from left, Nathan Collins, Jason Knight, Dara O'Shea, Shane Duffy and Michael Obafemi during the Ukraine match at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Jason Knight has pledged his support to Stephen Kenny as the Ireland manager faces fresh scrutiny heading into a critical five days.

The FAI board last November opted to extend Kenny’s contract for next year’s Euro qualifiers but inserted a severance clause to release him early at minimal cost if the Nations League campaign nosedived.