'I'm not naive' - Stephen Kenny on Ireland future after latest defeat

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny says he expects the FAI to view the European Championship qualification campaign as disappointing, but remains hopeful of remaining in charge.

Greece hammered the final nail in Ireland's Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory at the Aviva Stadium, completing home and away success over the Boys in Green.

Kenny's record in competitive games now stands at just five wins from 27 games, and are just three points ahead of Gibraltar before facing the international minnows on Monday.

Kenny’s current deal is valid as long as Ireland have an 'active involvement’ in the Euro 2024 tournament, FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said last month, with a review to follow after the campaign concludes.

Asked how he felt the FAI would view the qualifications results, he told RTÉ Sport: "I’m sure they will be disappointed. I’m not naïve enough to suggest otherwise."

Trailing from first-half goals by Giorgos Giakoumakis and Giorgos Masouras, the manager refuted the suggestion of a flat display from his charges after the break.

"I thought we played well in the second half at times," he said. "The crowd were obviously flat as we were 2-0 down and I understand that."

Liam Scales became the 21st player to make his international bow since Kenny took charge, but the former Dundalk manager says while he is proud of introducing new blood, there was simply no other hand to play.

"It wasn’t a vanity project bringing in all these players. It had to be done. Who were the alternatives? There was a massive gap between players that were 31, 32 and 21. And a lack of talent in that age bracket."

With pressure growing from the latest setback, Kenny was asked if he hopes to have the opportunity to continue working with