While this international break has been far from ideal when it comes to both results and performances, one of the biggest positives was the re-introduction of Brian Kerr to Irish football.
Kerr is a much loved figure around the country, and with many not shy to voice their displeasure over how he has been treated by the FAI over the years, it was a great sight to see him back in the dugout as part of John O'Shea's backroom staff.
After stepping away from day-to-day footballing duties, the former Ireland manager was a regular pundit on Virgin Media for international games and over the past few years, he was highly critical of Stephen Kenny during his reign as Ireland manager.
Brian Kerr on his time back in the Ireland camp
Following last night's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Switzerland, John O'Shea's tenure as interim head coach came to an end.
It's still unknown as to who will be made the permanent manager and whether Brian Kerr will be still around the camp come June for the next set of international friendlies, but he certainly enjoyed being back involved.
READ HERE: Nathan Collins Hints At Ireland Squad Stance On John O'Shea Future
Speaking to Virgin Media after the game, Kerr said it has been emotional:
Yeah, it has been (emotional). A bit of surprise, coming from where I was that I ended up being around and about the national team and travelling with them on the bus to the games. It's just a pity that we didn't get the results that we wanted and the results the staff prepared the team for, but it's been very enjoyable to be involved, but it was a surprise I can tell you that.
My involvement has been minimal enough I think overall, over the few days. I've talked with the staff and suggested some tactical stuff at times and I've been involved in discussion around the tactics and around the selection. Again being asked opinions, but not putting them forward to strongly unless I was asked. With the players individually it was about little bits of information that might have helped them in the game and giving them words of encouragement if I felt that they needed that. Obviously Evan Ferguson needed some of that after missing the penalty in the first game and the maturity he had with the header in the second half as well, so that type of thing. I hadn't a massive involvement by any means.
Brian Kerr speaks to @AnnMarie_Keegan about getting back involved in the senior Republic of Ireland set up.
"It's been every enjoyable, but surprising, I can tell you that!"
"My involvement has been minimal enough, overall."
"John is definitely management material."#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/8LL18Liokh
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 26, 2024
Kerr made it clear he expects to be back in the punditry booth by the time the next international window rolls around.
Speaking to Off The Ball's Nathan Murphy, Kerr had some very interesting comments on what it was like to work with these Irish players after being one of the team's staunchest critics.
I think in terms of players, being up close to them, I've seen development in the players and Stephen (Kenny) put many of them in the team over the last number of years. Some of them I thought weren't quite ready for it. Now they've got more experience and they've played a bit more. They look well ready for it. John has put some other players in. He brought Sammie Szmodics into the team, I think he made an impact in the two games, showed a lot of potential, he's ahd to wrok very hard on his defensive side when playing two very good sides in Belgium and Switzerland.
It would be interesting to hear what Stephen Kenny thinks about Brian Kerr's latest comments, with Ireland's last permanent manager being hurt with some of Kerr's remarks as a pundit.
Speaking on a podcast with Dion Fanning for The Currency , the 52-year old admitted that he was taken aback by some of the criticisms from the former St Pat's man.
While Stephen Kenny's record as Ireland manager was not good enough, perhaps Brian Kerr may have come away from this international window with a greater appreciation for what Stephen Kenny was trying to achieve.
You can see more of Kerr's takeaways from the games here.
SEE ALSO: McCarthy And Delaney Identify Glaring Issue Which Cost Ireland v Switzerland
