Stephen Kenny expecting stern Greece test but eyeing victory

Stephen Kenny is not expecting an easy encounter as his side take on Greece in Athens on Friday night, however, the Ireland manager remains confident that his team can come away with all three points in the Euro 2024 qualifier.

Kenny urged an element of caution ahead of the clash with Gus Poyet's side, as he pointed to Greece’s fine home record and their recent run of form, however, he feels that the improvements his team have shown over the past 12 months should reap rewards to secure what he is calling a potential historic away win.

Victory would put Ireland’s first three points on the board following their opening defeat to France, and while he was not entertaining the notion of it being a must-win game at such an early stage of the process, he admitting that it was a very important one.

The manager said that he had real concerns during the build-up to tomorrow’s game as he had to negotiate a tricky six-week period to maintain and improve player fitness levels, however, he revealed that the entire squad had arrived to Athens with a clean bill of health and he paid tribute to the backroom team for the work that they have put in.

"One of our main objectives coming into the week was to get everyone fit here tonight, so credit to the backroom team that that is the case and we have everyone available, which we are pleased about.

"It’s always a concern with the six-week gap for players who haven’t been playing, to over-do it, do too much or get the balance right.

"From our point of view, we are looking forward to the game. We are looking for that historic away win, that’s our objective, that’s what we want.

"Greece have a very good home record, they have been in good form over the past year, we respect that.

"Nothing will be easy,