Kenny’s and Ireland’s Road to Damascus to begin in Belgrade

When people think of the Road to Damascus they refer it to a ‘sudden or radical conversion of thought or a change of heart or mind.’

The Republic of Ireland and Stephen Kenny’s very own ‘road to Damascus’ will begin in earnest tonight as all sights are now fixated on the pathway to Doha for the 2022 World Cup.

A road that begins in Belgrade and could end in the Middle East. A mere 4,597km in distance at present standing but one that will have many twists, turns and diversions en route to the country that sits on the Persian Gulf. 

It would be fitting that on the 20th anniversary of Ireland’s last outing on the World Stage when Damien Duff and Robbie Keane amongst two who gave us memories to saviour along with tales to tell that outlived the two decades that have since gone by.

You feel at this stage that new stories need to be told, new yarns to be spun and memories etched in the annals of time. It needed a decisive change to bring us to this point, the first was the change in philosophy and standard of expectation of our national side.

“It’s interesting” Kenny spoke at the pre-match press conference “Because some of the players Troy Parrott, Gavin Bazunu were born in the same year as we last time we got to the World Cup, Jason Knight was only one”

“They really want to give it everything the try and get to a World Cup and so we’re just not just looking at the big picture at the minute we got to focus on the short term and task in hand and play Serbia”

This conversion and transition of Irish football and how it is played under Kenny has seen a swift execution as to how the team performs. Yes, results have not been what is to be expected. The combination of COVID-19, omission of key players and sheer bad luck have meant that Stephen Kenny’s reign has not been given a chance to give a true reflection of itself. But Kenny knows the best is yet to come.

“You have to consider all of these issues. We have a lot of good players coming through it’s a radical change really with thirteen players coming through the system within a few months. Players who have been in the Under 17’s, 18’s, 19’s and Under 21’s, so there is that infusion of enthusiasm and talent come into the squad so you can’t ignore it, so that’s something we have to consider as well.”

Tonight, it is hoped the era of the previously called ‘King Kenny’ will be given its first true airing on the biggest stage. A World Cup Qualification campaign brings hope, expectation and belief that Ireland has a genuine opportunity to don the biggest stage once more.

“I think it is a huge privilege. It’s no doubt it’s the ultimate opportunity to manage a World Cup campaign” Kenny reflected.

Ireland trained last night in the Rajko Mitic Stadium and used the Manchester City training facilities before heading to the Serbian capital something that benefited the side approaching this game.

“It was great to have Manchester City facilities yesterday that we could meet so quickly because for some it was match day plus one and you know we had to modify the training”

“We are certainly looking forward to training tonight and then make sure we’re ready for the game tomorrow it’s huge excitement at the start of the campaign for everyone so we’re looking forward to it”

A key player to Stephen Kenny’s defence is Celtic player Shane Duffy, the Derry native has been under scrutiny in some quarters for his performances of late but Kenny knows the qualities that saw him star in the Premier League is there for all to see.

“Shane his life is sort of is being dissected at the moment” commented Kenny “You know the microscope is on him and in relation to every aspect of his performances. But you know I think sometimes players get a move to a club and for some reason, it doesn’t work out. You must forget the terrific form he had at Brighton in the Premier League for a number of years and Ireland. He was named twice international player of the year so that kind of form doesn’t leave you overnight”

While injuries have been a familiar narrative of Kenny’s reign, the prospect of not having key players such as Aaron Connolly and James McClean might give the Ireland boss another unnecessary headache

“Yeah, I suppose a different kind of issues really because James is a little undercooked if you like, James had the issue with his heel and had an injection and was off for a while so he wasn’t very advanced in his training program.”

“He has incredible determination to play for Ireland I think that’s obvious. He trained yesterday and is super keen as he always is.”

“Aaron hasn’t played in a while after a rib injury and couldn’t train and is coming on the back of probably three days training but he trained yesterday.” Reflected Kenny

“When you train in the stadium and you get a chance to hit the back of the net you know it becomes real. You know him and Callum Robinson both have not played that much, Callum obviously hasn’t played for a while for West Brom so every time they hit the back of the net in training it’s a good feeling for them and hopefully, they can bring that into the game.”

Style over substance has been a mark of Kenny’s reign as he aims to tap into the true tradition of Irish football by encouraging his players to be skilful with intelligence in their game rather than just brawn and guts. Will Kenny sacrifice his player’s talent for the sake of getting a result. Direct and Defence?

“Defense and direct they are two separate issues, I think they are two separate ideas” commented Kenny.  “A bit more defensive playing in a low block does that mean playing players in our own half and getting a lot of bodies behind the ball?”

“Direct. Does that mean in possession don’t pass it just hit the channels? You can’t, on one hand, give instruction and then just all of a sudden, you rip everything up and just say we’re going to defend in the low block and just boot, knocking into the channel so I think the answer that is a clear no on both fronts.”

“Having said that I do respect Serbia” he continued “I do realize I’m not naïve. They have got a lot of very good attacking players, a lot of talent and we will have to be cognizant of that but we have to defend well. And good defending there is nothing wrong with good defending. I think it’s important that we defend well. We’re not neglecting the importance of defending well. It will be hugely important we defend well because they have got players you can punish you”

Ahead of the dawn of a new era of World Cup Qualification that brings its own radical conversion, the focus will now shift to on the pitch matters tomorrow night, a night that for some can’t come quick enough.

“The players are really excited of the possibility of playing for their country in a World Cup qualifier. That’s a huge ambition for them all so it’s a great opportunity”