No fear for Ronan Finn with Stephen Kenny appointment

For Shamrock Rovers captain Ronan Finn, there are no doubts for him that Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny will do well in his new role.

Finn played under Kenny for two seasons at Dundalk, winning a couple of league titles, an FAI Cup and playing in the Europa League group stages, in addition to a single season at Tallaght when Kenny managed the Hoops.

Speaking to Shamrock Rovers TV, Finn said that Irish football fans will like what they will see from a Stephen Kenny Ireland side. 

“I think we are going to enjoy what he brings as he wants his teams to play football,” said Finn. “He wants to pass from the back and be expansive. He doesn’t want you to play with any fear and he also wants you to work hard. 

“I’m delighted for Stephen. Tactically, he loves the game. He really pushes an individual to become the best he can be. His man-management skill is for me his best attribute. He really makes you feel you are potentially the best player on the pitch. That is his skill. 

“I think he will do really well. You look at the squad we have and there is definitely talent there. It is up to Stephen to drag the most out of them and get us into the European Championship and to World Cups. As a nation we all wish him well.

"The players will respond really well to his style.”

Last season Finn became the first Shamrock Rovers captain to lift the FAI Cup since Pat Byrne in 1987 after a hard fought penalty shootout win over his former club Dundalk. 

“It was a very very special moment. In terms of medals, to captain a winning Shamrock Rovers team to the FAI Cup for the first time in over 30 years was special. It was a fabulous day. 

“I think Dundalk, when they play against us, they understand that we will dominate possession - especially in Tallaght and in the Aviva which are big pitches. In Dundalk on the smaller pitch they are very dangerous. On a big pitch though I’d always fancy us.

"I was confident coming into the game and believed we would win and on the day I thought we were the better team. We deserved it.

“They are fabulous memories and something we are targeting again. There is no reason why, we have a really good squad and have started the season well.” 

The Hoops will be hoping they can continue they winning start to the season when football returns later in the year – Rovers started their league campaign in 2020 flawlessly with five wins out of five to top the early season table.

Kenny positivity can provide hope in uncertain times https://t.co/zLS8u0SELcpic.twitter.com/PWX0LSsMmt

— Extratime.ie (@ExtratimeNews) April 11, 2020