'A sad day' - Gleeson pays tribute to Stephen Kenny

Republic of Ireland interim manager Eileen Gleeson paid tribute to "the ultimate professional" Stephen Kenny after her fellow Dubliner's reign as men's boss ended on Wednesday evening.

The curtain came down on Kenny's three-and-half-year reign in the wake of another disappointing qualification campaign.

And Gleeson, who named her squad today for the upcoming Nations League double-header, took the opportunity to give Kenny his dues.

"I think Stephen is the ultimate professional, he is super passionate about Ireland," she said.

"I'm sad to see Stephen go. He did a lot for Irish football and I'm sure he'll continue to do so. For me it's a sad day. I’ve the utmost respect for Stephen. I think he’s wholly dedicated to Ireland and you can’t ask for much more."

Ireland face Hungary in Tallaght tomorrow week and then travel to Belfast to take on Northern Ireland at Windsor Park the following Tuesday. They've already won the group to secure promotion to League A, with Gleeson's desire to blood more fresh faces evident in the inclusion of Peamount United's Ellen Dolan in the squad. Amber Barrett, Niamh Fahey and Leanne Kiernan are among the more senior players to miss out.

The area of most intrigue around the team right now is the small matter of Vera Pauw's permanent successor.

The FAI drew up a list of 12 candidates in October and have been whittling that down ever since. Gleeson has previously said it's her intention to return to her role as head of women's and girls' football once the Nations League is done and dusted, and was loathe to entertain the possibility she may have changed her mind.

"We've an opportunity to transition young talent through so that’s really exciting for me."

"I'm not even going to answer it!" she said when