New recruits adding a lot of quality to squad - Enda Stevens

Enda Stevens missed out on a lot of international football throughout the last 12 months, and the Sheffield United defender believes that while he was away, there has been a noticeable evolution within the Ireland squad.

Stevens has been the regular left-back throughout the early stages of Kenny's tenure, however, recent injuries have led to a watching brief for the former Shamrock Rovers man.

The Dubliner admitted that he was delighted to return to the squad for the four upcoming fixtures, starting with Armenia on Saturday, having overcome some recent knocks to get back to full fitness.

And while he was recuperating from injury, he has noted that change in the squad, which has added more quality, strength in depth and competition for places ahead of the Nations League campaign.

"I’ve missed the last few camps and there’s a few new faces," said Stevens, speaking at Tuesday’s press conference. "But going off today’s session, they will be adding an awful lot to the squad, a lot of strength in depth. Things are looking good."

James McClean has slotted seamlessly into the left wing-back role in recent months, and Ryan Manning offers the manager another option in the position. While Stevens admits that he is always fearful of losing his place, he welcomes the competition from the other players in the squad.

"You always do [worry about losing your place]," said Stevens. "There’s always someone younger, quicker, stronger, better than you coming up so it keeps you on your toes.

"It’s competition for places, it brings the best out of you and that’s what the manager wants, he wants them headaches."

And not only in his own position, Stevens has seen the squad grow up in front of his own eyes over the course of the past 18 months where the