'If it's my last game, so be it' - Stephen Kenny still playing waiting game ahead of New Zealand clash

"If it is my last game, so be it," said Stephen Kenny as he faced the media for the pre-match press conference at the FAI headquarters in Dublin on Monday morning.

Kenny remains in charge for the end-of-year international friendly against New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday evening, but speculation remains rife that it will be the manager's final game in charge of the national team.

The game against the Kiwis will bring an end to Kenny’s current contract, which was valid as long as Ireland were in contention for Euro 2024, but with Group B also coming to a conclusion on Tuesday night when the four other teams play out the final two games, Ireland’s chances of making it to next summer’s tournament have long-since evaporated.

Kenny’s side finished up the disappointing campaign with a meagre six points from eight games played, all six coming from expected home and away wins against Gibraltar.

Ireland failed to take anything from the two top seeds, and while that was not entirely unexpected, the fact that they lost twice, home and away, to Greece really brought the manager’s position into question.

Kenny admitted that he sought further clarification in relation to his position in the job ahead of the current international window, however, he must now play the waiting game until the FAI make their decision, which is expected to arrive before the end of the month.

"I sought clarification before this window in regard to my own position," said Kenny. "And if that wasn’t the case, I would have made that clear earlier in the week. But from my point of view, the decision is being made next week.

"If it is my last game, so be it. Regardless of what decision is made and if there is a new manager to come in after me, I’ll wish them