Stephen Kenny: Ireland won't get 'fixated' on concession of long-range goals

Stephen Kenny says his Republic of Ireland side will not be getting "fixated" over the number of long-range goals conceded in transition during recent times.

The Boys in Green beat Latvia 3-2 in an international friendly at Aviva Stadium as they build up to Monday's Euro 2024 qualifier against France.

Both Latvia's goals were scored from outside the box, albeit the second took a deflection on its way to goal.

Goals from range have been a relatively regular occurrence over the last two years, comprising nine of the 23 that Ireland have let in, including notable examples against Luxembourg (March 2021) and Armenia (June 2022).

However, on whether there is an inherent systemic flaw in back-three formations that could leave teams susceptible to long-distance goals, Kenny told RTÉ Sport that there were mitigating circumstances with Latvia's first goal for instance.

"Obviously the goal last night, the first goal, was just an unbelievable goal," he said at the FAI's announcement of its partnership with Circle K, the association's new official fuel and convenience partner.

"Matt (Doherty) plays a pass in the midfield and it's intercepted. I don't think anyone could have got near the player at the time. I watched it today and it's just an incredible goal.

"They're not all connected. Some of the earlier goals - we're going back two years nearly - a couple of those goals could have been closed down a lot better at various times.

"But I think sometimes when a goal is scored like that it's just an incredible goal. Obviously we shouldn't have given away possession and that's the way we play.

"Maybe because we're an expansive team, that if we do give away possession, it gives an opportunity to the other team to hit it from distance. But it's