'I've asked the question' - Kenny playing waiting game

Stephen Kenny has been to footballing heaven and hell during his Ireland tenure, and while his future in the role may be in limbo, the manager certainly does not believe that he is currently in purgatory.

Heading into next week's double header against the Netherlands and New Zealand, the manager acknowleged that they could be his final games in charge, but admitted that he was as much in the dark as everyone else outside of the FAI decision makers.

Kenny knows that the decision is now out of his hands, and his work over the three years in charge will be appraised by his employers before they decide on the future direction of the national team.

"I don't view [the uncertainty] as purgatory," said Kenny, speaking to the media following the squad announcement for the final Euro 2024 qualifier in Amsterdam, followed by the home friendly against the Kiwis.

"I've asked the question, no decision has been made," added Kenny. "If that was the case. If I knew it was the case, I probably would have released a statement or something, but that isn't the case.

"I've been told no decision has been made ...until after the New Zealand game, so I'll take that at face value.

"I respect that. So from our point of view, we've just got to prepare well for Holland and New Zealand and put in strong performances over the week."

So perhaps Kenny’s current state is more akin to a football manager’s death row, awaiting either execution or a last-minute reprieve.

Kenny has been well able to outline the positives that he has brought to the national team, taking over ahead of a global pandemic, while assembling a young, vibrant squad in his own image, and while he said that he would not plea for his position, he again outlined more positives that he has