Damien Delaney has questioned Stephen Kenny’s record as Ireland manager after a their 2-1 defeat to Scotland in the UEFA Nations League.
After a bright first half from the visitors that saw them take the lead through a good finish from centre-back John Egan, second half goals from Jack Hendry and a Ryan Christie penalty gave Steve Clarke’s side victory.
Ireland will be disappointed to lose a game which they feel they left out on the pitch tonight. Although they were strong defensively, a lapse of concentration for both goals is what won Scotland the game.
Scotland 0-1 Ireland
18' No offside this time! A super half-volley from captain Egan gives Ireland the lead
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At 1-1, Troy Parrott had the game’s best opportunity to put Ireland back in front, while Alan Browne’s handball for the penalty should have been dealt with.
It’s a similar story for Ireland under Stephen Kenny. Despite good individual performances from the likes of Michael Obafemi, Jason Molumby, Nathan Collins and John Egan, they leave Scotland with nothing to show for it.
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Speaking on the Virgin Media panel after tonight’s game, Damien Delaney claims Stephen Kenny has to start showing results when it comes to qualification for Euro 2024.
🗣 "Look at his track record. Lost the play-off. Finished second bottom in his first Nations League. Out of the World Cup very early. And now finish second bottom.
🗣 "We've had Covid. Give him the rebuild.
🗣 "How long does this go on for?"#SCOIRL | #COYBIG | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/Dr3UBD5r1x— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 24, 2022
He’s two years into the job, and when you look at his track record, what is it?
Lost the play-offs, finished second bottom in his first Nations League, out of the Euro’s very, very early, finished third in that group, very nearly fourth but we got away with it, and then second bottom.
When you put that all out in front of you and look at it, that is not a very good record.
It must be said that Stephen Kenny entered the job under very difficult circumstances. Through no fault of his own, he was appointed earlier than anticipated during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He has also had to oversee an almost complete transition of the squad, successfully implementing young talents such as Gavin Bazunu and Chiedozie Ogbene along the way.
While Delaney accepted the challenges Kenny has faced, qualifications for the European Championship in 2024 is a must.
He will be judged on the next Euro’s campaign, and if we are out of the euros campaign, whatever draw it is after two games and we are still talking about this, then I think a line needs to be drawn.
Kenny will be hoping to finish this campaign with a win on Tuesday night, with next year's Euro qualification campaign a potentially decisive one for the Ireland boss.
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