Jason Knight: Dark days helped build Ireland character

Jason Knight believes that the dark days at the start of Stephen Kenny's reign have helped to create the character that the team showed against Belgium on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland twice went behind to the world number one-ranked side and twice fought their way back into the game as first Chiedozie Ogbene and then Alan Browne equalised.

The game ended 2-2 with Roberto Martinez’s side, leading to praise from the travelling Belgium manager about the spirit and fight shown by the Ireland team in front of a packed and vocal home support.

And Knight believes that the team have developed throughout the 18 months that Kenny has been in charge of the national side.

It took Ireland 12 matches to win a game when Kenny took over, and not only did the team have to deal with disappointing results like losing at home to Luxembourg and exit the Euro 2020 play-offs on penalties, but they also had to handle a string of Covid-interrupted international windows, while speculation also mounted over the future of the manager.

"I think there is great character in this squad," said Knight, speaking at the post-match press conference.

"From dealing with setbacks, we have gone through tough times as a squad. And I think to come through those times we built a big, big character in the squad."

And similarly, Knight feels that the character has also been enhanced from strong performances against excellent sides like Portugal, Serbia and now Belgium, which augers well for future campaigns.

"Look, you always have tough times in your career," said Knight, when asked about the Luxembourg defeat from 12 months ago.

"That was a tough time for the country and for the squad, but the progression I think we have seen throughout the last year, 18 months