Stephen Kenny focusing on Netherlands clash after Ireland stroll past Gibraltar

UNDER PRESSURE: Ireland manager Stephen Kenny after the game. Pic Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny is fully focussed on facing the Netherlands in his country’s final Euro 2024 qualifier despite swirling rumours about his contract.

A routine 4-0 qualifier win over Gibraltar in Faro couldn’t prevent the current Irish manager for dealing with questions about his future.

When asked by RTÉ’s Tony O’Donoghue if this Gibraltar encounter marked one of his last games in charge, the Irish manager remained defiant if a little confused.

“Is tonight my last game?” the Irish manager responded.

“We have New Zealand after the Netherlands. From my point of view, the games against Holland and France, were real, real good games, and we were narrowly beaten in both.

“When we go to Holland, they will need to win to qualify. Obviously, they are one of the top sixteen teams in the world. From our point of view, we have to be organised, go there and put in a performance that gives ourselves a chance of getting a result.”

As for overcoming Gibraltar in front of a sparse crowd in Faro, Portugal, the Irish manager was pleased with the quality of his side’s goals. On the night, Ireland did what they had to do in a professional manner that pleased Kenny.

“The lads were very professional and worked the goals well,” Kenny commented.

“They played some very good football. The goals were well worked, there was good movement between the full-backs, wingers and midfield players. There was good interchanging and good timing of the runs for the goals from our attacking players.

“So, it was a good win. We scored four and could have gotten more. These games can be difficult if you don’t get the goals that you need. In the end, it was very comfortable.”

It was the Republic of Ireland’s right channel that provided the spark for a much-needed Euro 2024 qualifier victory, albeit against poor opposition. Kenny made a point of paying tribute to his wingers and full-backs.

“Matt Doherty is a very intelligent player for us and sees things, we linked up well on the right and got two goals from there so that was a good start for us,” the Irish manager said.

“Mikey Johnston, I love wingers. He is too good not to be playing football. He played well, as did Chiedozie (Ogbene). We have wingers who can make an impact.

“Obviously, Mark Sykes coming on as well. We just need better options in those areas and they are helping to provide that.”

In terms of injuries, Stephen Kenny lamented the fact so many of his English Championship based players have suffered recent injuries.

“The Championship, it is so relentless,” Kenny said.

“Four or our players had hamstring operations over the last year. Sometimes you look at France, they never have any changes or anyone missing.

“So the more players we get in the Premier League, the better. It is one match a week and less (stress) on the body. The Championship is every three days and our explosive players like Chiedozie Ogbene, Callum Robinson, Calum O’Dowda and Troy Parrott, have all had hamstring operations this year.

“It can be tough, relentless so, certainly, to have more consistent (selections) in the squad would be ideal.”

The Netherlands injury-time winner in their 1-0 Euro 2024 qualifier victory over Greece in Athens will not affect Ireland’s approach to their final group outing.

“At the moment, I am not sure of the exact permutations,” Stephen Kenny admitted.

“Post game, it depends on other results. It is still more unlikely than likely. Regardless, we have to go to Amsterdam and try and to get a win if we can.”