Stephen Kenny: Premier League moves good for Irish football

Stephen Kenny says that Irish players securing moves to the Premier League can only be positive for the national team, ahead of October's draw for Euro 2024.

Over the summer Nathan Collins has secured a move to Wolves and Gavin Bazunu joined Southampton.

In the Championship Josh Cullen joined Burnley, who were in the top flight last season, Troy Parrott is on loan at Preston North End, while Ciaran Clark has moved from Newcastle to Sheffield United, also on a season-long loan.

Kenny worked with many of those who've secured moves during his time in charge of the Republic of Ireland U-21s, and he tells RTÉ Sport that he'll be keeping an eye on them as they settle into their new clubs.

"It's interesting because when I became U-21 manager we promoted Gavin Bazunu, who was 17 at the time, Nathan who was 18 at the time, Troy Parrot who was 18," Kenny said at the Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools camp at Tullamore Town FC.

"We also had Adam Idah and Andrew Omobamidele. They're all doing terrifically well. Gavin looks like he's going to play for Southampton, and Jason Knight could move.

"You can see those players coming to the fore now and other players making their mark. That's promising for the future of Irish football."

Bazunu became the third Irish goalkeeper who will be involved with a club in England's top flight this season, following on from Liverpool's Caoimhín Kelleher and Mark Travers at promoted Bournemouth.

Competition for places is naturally a positive for Kenny, and the Ireland manager says he's keeping an open mind about who might be his number one.

"Mark Travers really impressed in the last camp, although he didn't get his opportunity. He was terrific in training and really excelled with Bournemouth getting promoted.

"Hop