After a difficult 12 months, Ireland have ended 2021 on a high.
It was tough at times for Stephen Kenny's side at times in Luxembourg tonight, but they would eventually turn on the style.
Shane Duffy's opener may not have been the easiest on the eyes, but the two goals that followed were absolutely sublime. Jason Knight provided two beautiful assists, with Ireland romping home to secure the 3-0 win.
This was quite the turnaround in comparison to Ireland's loss to the same opposition back in March. That game was a low point in the Kenny era, with the team only losing one of the ten fixtures since.
The manager has finally implemented his preferred style on the team, with the results now following on the pitch.
Speaking to RTÉ after the game, Kenny was quick to put all of the praise for the team's improvements on the players.
Stephen Kenny talks to @Corktod
⚽'We lacked control in first half... but believed that we could score.'
⚽'I'd rather fans were singing about players'
⚽'We know we're not perfect'#LUXIRL #rtesoccer
📺https://t.co/zEWhGZmz0W
📻https://t.co/t5MWyrNq1Y
📱https://t.co/2NElRwHBU3 pic.twitter.com/Nw4R8gkNIw— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 14, 2021
Since we lost to Luxembourg, it has been ten games and Ronaldo in the 97th minute is the only game we've lost.
We're doing well, we know we're not perfect. We know that there is more players coming through, there is more to come.
There was a lot of pressure on the players after that defeat to Luxembourg and they have responded brilliantly. They deserve the credit because they are an absolute pleasure to work with.
Keith Andrews, Anthony Barry, and Dean Kiely (his coaching staff) and all the staff behind the scenes have been brilliant with the players. It's a real collective effort...
I'd rather they were singing about the players to be honest, I'm a bit embarrassed. I'd rather they were singing Come On You Boys In Green or about the players.
I understand and appreciate it, it's great. I appreciate it, but at the end of the day it's all about the players. It is always about players.
I know that, it's a thing you know as a manager, that it's all about players. Our player were magnificent over the last few months.
This interview perfectly sums up Kenny. He doesn't want to take the credit when things go well, putting all of the praise on the players.
He has given them the belief to go and play, something that is now bearing fruit. Here's hoping this is only the start of something special.
SEE ALSO: Ireland Player Ratings As Kenny's Men Bury Their Demons In Luxembourg
