Mikey Johnston and Callum Robinson insist Ireland players still behind Stephen Kenny

JINKY JOHNSTON: Ireland's Mikey Johnston scores his side's second goal. (AP Photo/Joao Matos)

Mikey Johnston and Callum Robinson say the Republic of Ireland players are still playing for their manager following a straightforward Euro 2024 qualifier victory over Gibraltar in Faro.

Much of the pre-match talk centred around Irish manager Stephen Kenny’s contract. Aside from those headlines, the Irish players had a job to do and registered a comfortable 4-0 win, their sixth competitive success over Gibraltar.

Celtic’s Mikey Johnston’s marked his return to the international fold following an injury layoff with Ireland’s second goal of a one-sided contest.

“I think the fans deserved this (win) especially the ones who travelled here,” Johnston commented.

"It (Greece) was a tough result to take and we felt as we had to give the fans something back. It was my first (international) start this season so I was feeling a bit rusty. I was buzzing to get going again.”

Johnston was a livewire on the Irish wing all evening and came close to opening the scoring during the early exchanges. When pressed on whether the Irish players were playing for their manager, the Celtic stalwart was unequivocal in his answer.

“I’ve not scored the nicest goals for Ireland but hopefully there are many more to come,” Johnston admitted.

“I think the manager cares so much in everything he puts into us. We definitely want to get behind him. Obviously, results have not gone our way all the time. We are trying to play the right way. It is not coming off at the moment but hopefully we can turn that around.”

Callum Robinson was another long-term absentee to mark his international return with a goal in Faro. The Irish striker echoed Mikey Johnston’s comments when pressed on Stephen Kenny’s importance.

“Listen, he (Stephen Kenny) has been great personally for myself and he has been great with the boys,” Robinson said.

“Obviously, I know some results haven’t been good enough but sometimes the players have to take the responsibility as well.

“Personally, he has been great for me. He has put me back in the squad even though I haven’t played much football. He trusts me and put me back in and I repaid him by getting a goal tonight.

“Results have not gone our way but tonight, coming here, we knew it was going to be tough. The pitch was very dry and we got over the line. I am really happy to be back in the squad. Injuries come with this game and it has been a really frustrating seven or eight months for me.

“I am really happy to be back with the boys. The was a wait for my goal but I was just hoping and praying it was onside and it was. Back in the goals and that’s what I love to do, score or create in the final third.”