Stephen Kenny: ‘Our ambition is to win the group. We take the Nations League very seriously’

Cahal Mc Auley reports from the Aviva Stadium

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny followed up Tuesday’s impressive 4-0 victory over Qatar by underlining his side’s ambition to win their group in next year’s Nations League and secure a European Championship playoff spot.

When asked how far his team could go after a promising international break, Kenny outlined his staff’s plans for the competition and what rewards it could reap for the Irish team.

“Our ambition is to win the group because that gives you a playoff,” said Kenny. “We take the Nations League very seriously.

“If we apply ourselves, improve as players get more exposure to international football, and improve again, we’ll give ourselves every chance. If we make it a priority, we can strive to do that.

“That’s what we want to do, that’s the ambition. I felt that it was realistic for us to want to do that.”

Kenny was quick to praise several of his players after the most comprehensive win of his tenure, in particular Jeff Hendrick and Shane Duffy who have enjoyed well documented returns to form after suffering difficult periods.

“It really is dramatic. Jeff went through a period where things weren’t really happening for him.

“He was absolutely outstanding tonight, his all-around performance in every passage of play. His energy, his vision and his first touch, his understanding of his role in the team.

“It really suits him that position, that’s one of the best games I’ve ever seen him play. I thought he was really exceptional.”

When asked about the resurgence of Duffy, Kenny voiced similar sentiments.

“He has great qualities as a man, great qualities as a human being, he’s certainly having a good time at Brighton.

“It’s sort of a renaissance for him. He’s a very important part of the group and its good to see him playing so well.”

After a stunning return of five goals in two games, Kenny discussed the role of Callum Robinson in his plans, highlighting his potential to be influential player in the group going forward.

“I spoke to him at length some months ago and I felt that he could be our talisman in terms of our most creative force.

“I just hope he knows how important he is to us, and realises that he can be a really significant player.

“He’s very good in the group, he’s a real sort of bubbly character, a lot of decency, and as a player he has more to give.”

In Pictures: Republic of Ireland 4 - 0 Qatar https://t.co/qvKYjegRGrpic.twitter.com/BIfZJSHLdR

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) October 13, 2021