'The facilities aren't good enough - Kenny wants to see better facilities at League of Ireland grounds

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny says facilities need to be improved at League of Ireland grounds in order to move the competition onto the next level.

There has been a bounce in attendances at the start of the new season with this Friday's Dublin derby between Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians the latest early season game to sell out.

There have also been full houses at Shelbourne/St Patrick's Athletic at Tolka Park, Bohemians/Pat's at Dalymount, Derry/Shamrock Rovers at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, and Drogheda/UCD at Head in the Game Park.

For Kenny though, who had stints in charge of Longford Town, Bohemians, Derry City, Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk, the league can only grow to the next level with the provision of better facilities.

"There's been some full houses throughout the country, and that's great," said the 50-year-old.

"The facilities aren't good enough, [they're] no where near good enough. If the facilities were better you feel we'd get more supporters and have a better league.

"It's all linked to finance, and having better crowds, and keeping the best players - that's all part of it."

Despite being based in the UK, FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill has visited games at Tallaght Stadium and the UCD Bowl so far this season.

He says they plan to seek government help in the future to improve the experience for all supporters.

"I'm excited by the start of the new League of Ireland season," he said.

"We're seeing significant crowds going to the games, and there's a real buzz around the games. I think that's connected to what Stephen and Vera (Pauw) do with the international teams.

"All of us want to have international class facilities for the League of Ireland. We talked about it the last time we were here in