Kenny exciting by Ireland's new attacking options

Republic of Ireland manger Stephen Kenny admits that he's excited by the attacking options at his disposal as he prepares for the crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against France.

Kenny’s side welcome the World Cup finalists to the Aviva Stadium on 27 March, five days after a friendly with Latvia and the manager believes his side are in good shape, particularly up front.

The likes of Adam Idah, Michael Obafemi and Chiedozie Ogbene have all been in fine form for their clubs, while Evan Ferguson is making headlines in the Premier League with Brighton where he is currently averaging a goal every 129 minutes.

Since the golden age of Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle, Ireland have often struggled to convert chances but going into the Euro 2024 qualifiers, Kenny is buoyant about his options up front.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, he said: "Two years ago, the profile of striker that we had, we had a certain profile. Now all of a sudden in the last two seasons, players have come through.

"Now all of a sudden in the last two seasons, players have come through. We have Adam Idah, Michael Obafemi, Chiedozie Ogbene, Troy Parrott and Evan Ferguson that have just emerged.

"So obviously we have different characteristics now, we have speed to hurt teams, we have players who can only get better. We also have other players to complement that like Will Keane, Scott Hogan and James Collins.

"The profile of player that has come through over the last two years is completely different to what we had and that gives us real options in terms of having real penetration in our play."

Much of the recent focus from Irish supporters has been on Ferguson who has been one of the stand-out performers in the Premier League since forcing his way into Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton