Kevin Higgins in the man behind Kenny's Kids, a fantastic resource for Irish football fans following to fortunes of Irish players and particularly the next generation of player set to brought through under the guidance of Stephen Kenny.
Here here writes a guest column for Balls.ie on how things will shape up now Kenny has the chance to bring Ireland to The Euros.
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Once UEFA made the announcement that the play-offs would be delayed again by Covid-19, attention turned to the FAI. Mick McCarthy's contract was up on the 31st of July and a decision had to be made whether to extend it or let Ireland U21 manager Stephen Kenny take over as scheduled.
The decision to let Stephen Kenny take the reigns with immediate effect gives him plenty of time to prepare for the crucial tie against Slovakia. The full national pool is now available to him and this may bring some interesting changes to the current side.
Starting with the tactics, Stephen Kenny has often used a 4-2-3-1 formation, a high pressing game with inside forwards, an advanced playmaker and a sweeper between the posts.
Goalkeeper and Defence:
Looking at the potential starting eleven, you start with that sweeper style goalkeeper. It is difficult to tell what sort of pre-season if any will preside prior to Slovakia, so this should alleviate concerns that Darren Randolph is not getting sufficient game time with West Ham. We do not have any goalkeeper playing regularly in the Championship and it would be premature to hand youngsters like Kelleher and Travers a call-up, despite their applicability to the sweeper role.
Much of the defence picks itself. Enda Stevens on the left with Shane Duffy and John Egan in the middle. A midfield four might favour Seamus Coleman but Matt Doherty gets a clear edge on the right if Kenny goes for three at the back. This could also open the door for youngsters such as Conor Masterson and Dara O’Shea to help fluidity among the back three, or it could be time to give the in-form Darragh Lenihan another shot.
Mick McCarthy tried three at the back in his only defeat in his second stint as Ireland manager, losing in a 2-0 defeat away to Switzerland.
Midfield:
Kenny may opt to abolish the holding midfield role that Glenn Whelan has held throughout Ireland’s campaign, giving a first call up to Jayson Molumby who would be in with a shout to start.
A high-energy midfield two of Molumby & Conor Coventry was a staple for the U21s. Josh Cullen, Jason Knight and Alan Browne fit the bill for Kenny's style, but Hendrick and Hourihane will have ample opportunity to show they should retain their starting spots.
The advanced playmaking role was championed by Connor Ronan for the U21s, and there are endless options for seniors here including Ronan himself. The aforementioned midfielders along with Jack Byrne, Alan Judge, Callum Robinson could potentially be selected here.
Attack:
Kenny will want something different to what we usually see from the wingers. The U21s are encouraged to cut inside and take on the full back more than the patient buildup we often see from the senior team. Striker Aaron Connolly was changed to this role for the U21s and it worked a charm. His performances on the left in the Toulon tournament gave him great momentum ahead of a season where he made the breakthrough for Brighton and earned two senior Ireland caps. Robinson, Michael Obafemi, Ronan Curtis, Knight and more will be contesting on the left, but it's the right that leaves much to consider.
Robbie Brady and James McClean are well versed as left wingers but could they be used on the right? Callum O’Dowda is naturally left footed but the likes of Obafemi, Sean Maguire and Scott Hogan should not be excluded from consideration. If FIFA eventually accepts Ireland's request to have Dan Crowley play for us, he has shown promise on both wings this season for Birmingham.
Up front is a headache for Kenny, but one he won't mind. David McGoldrick had a good campaign under Mick, while Hogan and Shane Long have been on form for their respective clubs. Perhaps his most difficult selection, Kenny will also have Maguire, Obafemi, Connolly, James Collins, Adam Idah and Troy Parrott aiming for a starting spot. The question is; will there be two places available or just one?
We know three at the back did not work for Mick but it was the most difficult fixture of the campaign. Given the form of our strikers and a strong defence, 5-3-2 / 3-5-2 / 5-2-1-2 should remain on the table.
Possible Line-Ups:
Many in the U21 squad were not aware of Kenny when he was announced as manager 18 months ago. Despite this, he quickly earned their respect and to date has some questioning whether this crop of players are Ireland's golden generation in waiting. He should have little issue in the senior team dressing room and the Slovakia fixture alone will ensure everyone will put everything out on the pitch.
Kenny will respect the fact he’s taking over mid-campaign, I'd expect some nuance in blooding new players and his thinking will be very much long term. The U21s can still make history and will want to keep every key player they can.
Many in Ireland tune in to the likes of the Premier League and Champions League an have become accustomed to a fluid and attractive game where style matters. Those who have filled out Tallaght Stadium or watched the U21s on TV under Kenny will know that watching an attractive Ireland side goes a long way towards getting behind the boys in green.
Hopefully this is what we're in for when football does eventually return.
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Kevin Higgins is the man behind Kenny's Kids. You can find his work on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Patreon
