Delaney keen for Ireland to return to football's 'middle ground' after Kenny reign

John O'Shea will name his first squad on Thursday.

Virgin Media analyst Damien Delaney. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Damien Delaney believes a return to pragmatism for the new Ireland manager is crucial to the team’s revival.

The former Ireland defender was a vocal critic of the Stephen Kenny regime but is already encouraged by the soundings from interim boss John O’Shea ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland.