It would appear that Dundalk's Stephen Kenny has a role to play in the Republic of Ireland set-up after all.
Overlooked as a replacement for Martin O'Neill in the top job, the Irish manager is set to take over where Noel King left off in charge of the Republic of Ireland U21s.
Furthermore, as confirmed by the Football Association of Ireland tonight, Kenny is set to replace the newly appointed Mick McCarthy when the former Irish international's contract ends in 2020.
Having appeared out of the running when news of McCarthy's imminent appointment broke yesterday evening, Stephen Kenny will now bring to an end his incredibly successful period with the League of Ireland's Dundalk.
It is understood that Kenny had initially turned down the chance of replacing King in the role as manager of the Republic of Ireland U21s. Speaking openly in an interview with the Irish Times on Friday, Stephen Kenny outlined his belief that he was more than capable of taking over where O'Neill had left off.
"Do I think that I could take charge of the next generation of Irish players and turn them into a really cohesive team; combining the best virtues of Irish sides – the honesty, work-rate and passion that we’ve shown down the years – but introducing a more European style of play, a more fluid and expansive way," Kenny asked.
"Yes, I do," he answered emphatically.
In what will be a huge blow for this season's League of Ireland and FAI Cup winners Dundalk, Kenny's spell in charge of the club had been an unqualified success.
Winning four league titles since joining the club in 2013, he will undoubtedly be a very difficult man to replace.
An official announcement of the two new appointments is set to take place tomorrow afternoon, with Terry Connor and Robbie Keane set to be named among McCarthy's assistants in the senior squad.
