STEPHEN Kenny obviously would have wanted to be a Euro 2021 participant as well as host but he's still doing his bit to help one Irish team play at the continental tournament next summer.
The Republic of Ireland boss was in contact with his Northern Ireland counterpart Ian Baraclough to offer assistance and advice as the latter's team prepare to take on Slovakia, who ended the former's Euro dream.
Instead of an all-Ireland clash, Windsor Park will host the Slovaks in the Nations League Path B play-off Final next Thursday evening, but Baraclough confirmed: "Stephen did ring me, he wished me all the best for the upcoming game, and said that if there's anything he could help with then I'd only have to ask. It was more the analysts getting together to have the game on widescreen, which was very good of him, I appreciate that."
The name of Mark Sykes, the latest player to change international allegiance from the North to the Republic during the summer, wasn't mentioned, with 'Bara' philosophical about that matter:
"We're both managing our teams, we're both looking after our own affairs. Things will happen along the line, you may not like certain conversations that you have to have, but I'm not one to hold grudges.
"It was great to receive a call from Stephen. It was probably a difficult call for him, so full respect for him for doing that. I appreciate the hand that he's offered to be there. There are no grudges and I'm certainly not looking to open any wounds. Hopefully we can have a good relationship going on.
"We want to do the best for our countries, our teams. What we have to do in the build-up to games, for the good of the nation, is something that goes with the territory."
As much as Kenny's insights can be helpful, Slovakia may be a much-changed side from the one which rather fortunately ousted the Republic in a penalty shoot-out last month.
Manager Pavel Hapal was sacked – albeit only after the subsequent 3-2 home defeat by Israel in the Nations League – replaced as caretaker boss by former assistant Stefan Tarkovic.
Among those he has recalled are 35-year-old former Liverpool centre half Martin Skrtel, who helped Istanbul Basaksehir stun Manchester United in the Champions League earlier this week, and one-time Rangers winger Vladimir Weiss.
"They're starting to bring players back from international wilderness, players who had retired, and there's going to be a new look to their squad," noted Baraclough.
"Obviously they've dispensed with their previous manager and brought in their previous assistant, who was part of their group during 2016, which was a good spell for them. Clearly he wants to bring some experience back to their squad."
Slovakia should also be able to call on Inter Milan central defender Milan Skriniar and Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka after both missed the clash against the Republic for covid-related reasons.
"It'll be a different feel compared to the team that played against the Republic but we'll know all about their strengths and weaknesses," said Baraclough.
His own squad – also for subsequent Nations League matches away to Austria then home to Romania - includes teenage Manchester United midfielder Ethan Galbraith, but excludes a current Rangers wideman, Jordan Jones, after his breach of Covid-19 regulations.
Celtic's 22-year-old goalkeeper Conor Hazard is called up after injury to Motherwell's Trevor Carson, while Aberdeen winger Mattie Kennedy is also back in the 26-strong senior panel.
Baraclough heaped praise on the 19-year-old Galbraith, to a remarkable extent, saying: "Not to put too much pressure on his shoulders, but he's our little Iniesta or Xavi, someone who can get on the ball and manipulate the ball and find passes, positive passes.
"Hopefully it's the start of a long career for him. Hopefully he relishes his time in the squad from the start, he's there by rights…In the past with Northern Ireland we've had to bring players in before they've even played a [senior] game for their club, like Daniel Ballard [of Arsenal]."
Glengormley lad Galbraith has appeared for the Red Devils, against Astana in the Europa League almost a year ago, and Baraclough said his involvement with the international seniors has been mooted for some time:
"It's not just because he's with Manchester United, it's something we've talked about in the past. Michael O'Neill and myself had conversations about him when he was in charge…
"I took the decision that it was right for the last couple of months that he played with the U21s and got that international experience. He's now playing regularly for Man United 23s and being the best player on the pitch and in and around Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer]'s first team set-up as well.
"He's ready, I think, now for that step up. He now has to make sure when he comes in that he shows all the traits he has done with Man United for the last six months.
"We've seen him grow up as a person, as well as a player on the pitch. As long as he brings that into the camp with him I think he can make more strides."
Baraclough certainly expected more maturity from Jones, who has been suspended by Rangers along with Ibrox clubmate George Edmundson after the pair attended a private gathering on Sunday with others outside their household.
"It's well documented what's happened to Jordan. He's made a mistake and he's paying for that because he's no longer with Rangers for a couple of weeks and we've ruled him out as well," said Baraclough.
"We've talked extensively about doing the right things during this period. We have to be a role model for people around the country and the world and be seen to be doing the right things.
"Jordan made a mistake, he made a wrong decision and I think he'll be sat at home having to watch on TV and rueing what he's done.
"But it's also our responsibility to support him as well. I'm not going to ostracise him forever and a day. He'll be a good player for Northern Ireland football, but he's certainly got to review what he's done and I know he's remorseful for it."
Northern Ireland squad (v Slovakia (h), Austria (a), Romania (h)):
Goalkeepers: Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Burnley), Michael McGovern (Norwich City), Conor Hazard (Celtic);
Defenders: Jonathan Evans (Leicester City), Craig Cathcart (Watford), Stuart Dallas (Leeds United), Shane Ferguson (Millwall), Conor McLaughlin (Sunderland), Jamal Lewis (Newcastle United), Michael Smith (Heart of Midlothian), Tom Flanagan (Sunderland), Daniel Ballard (Arsenal);
Midfielders: Steven Davis (Rangers), Corry Evans (Blackburn Rovers), Niall McGinn (Aberdeen), Patrick McNair (Middlesbrough), George Saville (Middlesbrough), Gavin Whyte (Cardiff City), Matthew Kennedy (Aberdeen), Jordan Thompson (Stoke City), Ethan Galbraith (Manchester United), Alistair McCann (St Johnstone);
Forwards: Kyle Lafferty (Reggina), Josh Magennis (Hull City), Conor Washington (Charlton Athletic), Liam Boyce (Heart of Midlothian).
