'Ukraine is a different challenge' - No easy fix following Armenia defeat

Stephen Kenny is targeting a much-needed victory at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday night as his side take on Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League.

Eleven games and counting now without a win for Ireland in this competition that was introduced by UEFA back in 2018 as a means of escaping the ennui of the meaningless international friendly fixture.

It all started with a 4-1 defeat to Wales in Cardiff during the final stages of the Martin O'Neill era, and while a Euro 2020 qualifying campaign prevented Mick McCarthy’s short-term second coming from getting embroiled in the tiered tournament, the current manager’s term has already endured its fair share.

Six games without a win to kick off Kenny’s tenure, with a failed Euro 2020 play-off sandwiched in between, the Ireland manager was expected to put that dismal record to bed in Yerevan on Saturday.

A dominating first half, yet Kenny’s side were unable to capitalise on their possession or territorial dominance, followed by a second half which saw the host team grow in confidence, grab their goal and hold on for a famous local victory.

All eyes on the Ukraine clash now as Kenny’s side will look to stop the rot at eleven, and get back to the initial plan, which is to top the group and move on up to League A and the top table of European football.

"It is a different set of circumstances," said Kenny, when asked how he planned to fix the problem defeat in Armenia.

"We had enough chances to win the game itself. The first goal is obviously critical. We’ve seen that in Azerbaijan, getting an early goal and winning 3-0. Luxembourg, getting a goal and winning 3-0.

"We had chances to score, several in the first half, obviously we had chances in the second half although they weren't as clear cut,