As end likely nears, Stephen Kenny has landed on settled squad

Stephen Kenny named his squad recently for what is expected to be his last two games in charge of the Republic of Ireland – the Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands and the international friendly with New Zealand.

Those two fixtures will take his time in charge up to 40 games since his appointment in April 2020 when he replaced the outgoing Mick McCarthy. It would be a major surprise if he got to 41.

The biggest surprise in Kenny's latest squad was the lack of surprises. With Sammie Szmodics declining a call-up, the manager resisted making any major changes from the squad for Greece and Gibraltar, suggesting he has landed on his preferred panel - injuries notwithstanding.

Kenny's reign looks set to end with no major tournament reached - the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign prove particularly difficult, with six points garnered thus far through home and away wins over Gibraltar.

The manager has not been helped by issues throughout his time in the hotseat, including forced Covid withdrawals in the early stages and then latter injuries, such as Evan Ferguson’s inability to make the recent games with France and the Netherlands.

Kenny promised to overhaul the squad when he took over though, and 20 debuts and the use of 52 different players certainly did do that, but he also has had a set of players who he has real trust in.

Whether that trust can be repaid under Kenny going forward or under a new boss, there has been a favoured squad for the Dubliner.

In safe hands

It’s just over three years since Stephen Kenny’s first game in charge – a 1-1 draw with Bulgaria in the Nations League – and the goalkeeper scene has changed significantly.

Back then it was Darren Randolph, who started Kenny’s first eight games in charge, Mark