STEPHEN Kenny says he’s “not fixated” on his future as Republic of Ireland manager and wants to build on last month’s encouraging international window that saw him and the team claw back a lot of support from the Irish footballing public.
While the Irish only picked up two World Cup qualifying points out of a possible nine in their triple header against Portugal (a), Azerbaijan (h) and Serbia (h), Kenny received warm backing from supporters for their gutsy displays against Portugal and Serbia in particular, which yielded a defeat and a draw, respectively.
In a recent poll among the Irish public, Kenny garnered 80 per cent support to continue in the role up until Euro 2024.
In the face of poor results, the FAI has consistently given the under-pressure Dubliner strong backing and appears to have a deep appreciation of the transitional phase the senior team is currently in.
Kenny’s contract lapses next July – but he would hope to have a better win record by then.
The former Dundalk manager’s tenure has been ravaged by COVID-related issues, injuries and retirements as he continues to put his faith in a host of young players he had at U21 level.
Asked if he would like to address the FAI board before they discuss whether to renew his contract before next summer, Kenny replied: “Listen, it’s not something I’m fixated on. From my point of view, I’m just focused on preparing the team well now.
“I’m not interested in the politics behind the scenes. I never get involved in that. The main thing for me is that we’ve had good support from everyone in the FAI, really good support and we want to have a good window and we want to go to Azerbaijan (Saturday October 9) and get a victory.
“That’s the ambition, come home and play against Qatar (Tuesday October 12) and do well. So that’s the intention and hopefully we’ll have a full house for Portugal in November which will be very exciting as well.
“So there are good games coming up and we want to go to Azerbaijan really determined and get a result. That’s really my main focus.”
Since assuming the reins, Kenny’s men have mustered just one win in 16 outings. They have drawn two games – against Azerbaijan and Serbia - and lost three in their World Cup qualifying with Portugal and Serbia fighting it out at the top of Group A for the one automatic berth for the Qatari finals next summer.
Meanwhile, former number one Darren Randolph has been overlooked again as the manager named his 26-man squad yesterday that featured call-ups for Wigan Athletic striker Will Keane and returns for Enda Stevens of Sheffield United, Jason Knight and Chiedozie Ogbene.
Kenny has stuck with goalkeeping trio Gavin Bazunu – man-of-the-match in last month’s 1-1 draw with Serbia – Caoimhin Kelleher and Mark Travers.
Alongside Randolph, Shane Long, James McCarthy and Ciaran Clark were also absent from yesterday's squad.
“I’ve spoken to all four in the last couple of days,” Kenny explained.
“Darren is available, he needs some games at West Ham, he’s fully fit. Shane Long had a knock in the previous window and he had COVID, he was brilliant in the camp. James McCarthy is not playing at the moment. He wants to play for Ireland. He wants to get matches before the November window. With Ciaran, I had a good conversation with him and we’re looking at the November window for Ciaran.”
Will Keane, whose father hails from Dublin, has hit four goals for his club this season and is in the mix for next month’s games. He is a twin brother of Everton defender Michael Keane who switched allegiances from Ireland to England after U17 level.
On the Stockport-born striker declaring for the Republic, Kenny said: “To be fair it is not something I initiated. Will has been qualified for the last number of years. I met him recently and earlier in the season we had a good chat.
“His form has been consistent. He is good to watch, a very clever player, good awareness, good touch. He is an intelligent footballer and seems to be enjoying his football at Wigan and doing well.
“It is League One, admittedly, but every time we have gone to see him he has been impressive.”
Once again, Kenny is faced with selecting some players that “haven’t kicked a ball” since the last international window with Jeff Hendrick and Matt Doherty struggling for game-time at Newcastle United and Spurs, respectively.
“It was different in the September window, where players would have played pre-season games and got minutes under their belts,” Kenny said.
“Some players haven’t kicked a ball from the last window, so it is something you have to weigh up and consider.”
Republic of Ireland Squad v Azerbaijan / Qatar
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth, on loan from Manchester City), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).
Defenders: Matt Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Cyrus Christie (Fulham), Shane Duffy (Brighton and Hove Albion), John Egan (Sheffield United), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City), Nathan Collins (Burnley).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Anderlecht), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Harry Arter (Nottingham Forest), Jamie McGrath (St. Mirren), Jason Knight (Derby County).
Attackers: Callum Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Aaron Connolly (Brighton and Hove Albion), James Collins (Cardiff City), Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Troy Parrott (MK Dons, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic), Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United).
