REPUBLIC of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny refused to get drawn into a slanging match with the legendary Paul McGrath who has questioned the Dubliner’s managerial ability to turn the fortunes of the international senior team around.
Speaking at yesterday’s squad announcement for the upcoming World Cup qualifier trip to Azerbaijan and friendly match with Qatar, Kenny insisted that McGrath’s comments “weren’t overly critical” of him.
While performances have undoubtedly improved in recent times, the Irish have still won just one game in 16 outings – a 4-1 friendly win over Andorra – under Kenny while their 2022 World Cup qualification hopes are virtually extinguished.
“It’s my belief that Stephen might not be the person to take us on to the that where we are starting to win things again,” said McGrath, who starred for Ireland at Euro ‘88, Italia ’90 and USA ’94.
“Maybe some of the players aren’t as good as players we have had in the past… but it would be nice to get a couple of wins, and I hope Stephen does. Maybe he will prove me wrong.”
While many Irish football fans appear to be behind the manager, ex-players Richard Dunne and McGrath have been two of the loudest dissenting voices even though the team is in the throes of deep transition.
“Listen, Paul McGrath is an Irish legend,” said Kenny, responding to McGrath’s most recent criticism.
“I don’t think he was overly critical. I think he said also he hoped I proved him or wrong or I may prove him wrong and that’s certainly the intention in that regard.
“We want to do well, we want the team to be successful, everyone is entitled to an opinion and that’s the nature of football, particularly international football but I’ve no major issue.”
Ireland have drawn two games – against Azerbaijan and Serbia - and lost three in their World Cup qualifying Group A where Portugal and Serbia lead the chase for spots at next summer’s finals.
