Future is bright but Kenny not looking beyond 2024 campaign

Stephen Kenny rarely looks beyond the next game, however, a natural exception can be made for this week's international double header against Norway and Malta.

For the Ireland manger is very firmly focused on next March and the beginning of the Euro 2024 qualification campaign.

Kenny has urged his side to hit the ground running when the eight-game series kicks off, and while plunged right in at the deep end, it may be a case of sink or swim in the opening game as France come to Dublin.

Slow starts to recent campaigns have caused real set-backs in terms of remaining competitive in the group, and with the Netherlands also vying for the two automatic places on offer for the Germany-hosted tournament, there is a sense that Ireland need to open with a result.

An ageing France team, or an ever-evolving one, it remains to be seen what sort of unit arrive in Dublin for that particular encounter, and while Ireland will be dormant for the remaining weeks of November, post Malta on Sunday, and on through to the March international window.

France, on the other hand, begin their defence of the World Cup next Tuesday against Australia and will be hoping to remain involved right up to the 18 December final at the golden bowl Lusail Stadium.

Kenny will travel to Qatar to watch France and attempt to devise their downfall for that vital opener, but the only real tools at his disposal between now and then is this international fixture against Norway, coupled with his players’ club form and consistency heading into the spring.

The 2023 qualifying campaign runs from March to November as Ireland will look to upset the odds and snatch a place from either the Dutch top seeds or the French, and while Kenny might afford himself the odd 2024 daydream, he