“It’s a privilege, it's a huge privilege to be here”, Stephen Kenny announced on Monday morning, before taking his first training session in Abbotstown. Tonight, 648 days after he signed arguably the most important contract of his career, Kenny takes charge of his first Ireland senior match away to Bulgaria. In November 2018, when the succession agreement was announced at the time, many eyebrows were raised as to how successful it would be. Many supporters would agree that whilst it was a familiar, but at times arduous campaign under Mick McCarthy (scraping 1-0 wins vs Gibraltar & Georgia), a semi-final play-off spot was a decent outcome, although we were 1 goal away from automatic qualification vs Denmark in Ireland’s last fixture some 290 days ago.
The world has found itself in a strange place since then, and at one stage it was difficult to envisage seeing the boys in green play this year. Although it's not the ideal beginning for Kenny, with strict protocols in place and the absence of well travelled Ireland fans, tonight's game in Sofia marks an exciting new era for Irish football. “There is a great humility and freshness about the squad, they are ambitious and want to do well” Kenny said yesterday. Familiar faces like McClean, Duffy & Randolph are expected to feature, while the recalled McCarthy and Arter will be eager to impress. With under 21 graduates like Connolly, Lenihan & Kelleher chosen, alongside Idah and Molumby both receiving their first senior call ups, coupled with the focus on possession-based high-pressing football in a expected 4-3-3 has created a level of excitement and positivity that has rarely been seen before in Irish football circles. “We want to play with confidence and we want to have the balance of the team right so that we can create chances” Kenny described.
In terms of team selection, Randolph, Stevens, Duffy and Egan are all expected to start, while Kenny faces a significant decision on whether to start his captain Coleman, or Doherty, days after his £15 million move to Spurs. Outside of the defence, no player is entirely sure of his spot. Presuming a 4-3-3 formation, and bearing in mind Kenny has had just 2 days training with his men, he may be inclined to choose the experienced Brady and Hendrick, either side of McCarthy, seeking his first Ireland start in 4 years. In a front 3 Kenny is spoilt for choice, and could hand Idah his first cap in place of the absent McGoldrick. On the wings O’Dowda, McClean, Connolly & Robinson could all feature. With high expectations after months of waiting for tonight, one must bear in mind that this evolution for Irish football will take some time, “You're not going to radically change everything in two days, that's not realistic, but we want to play with confidence”, Kenny said. Patience and encouragement is key, with the bigger picture of Slovakia next month in mind. With that said, it has been a long time since things looked as bright for Irish football (on the pitch). Heaven knows the country could do with a lift.