KENNY LOSES HIS SECOND IRISH COACH

want to thank him for his time as goalkeeper coach with me and for his overall contribution to Irish football.”

Ex- Ireland keeper Kelly - who is asthmatic - said: “With Covid- 19 still viciously circulating g in our communities, it is with a heavy heart that I have decided the time is right to step down.

“It has been an absolute honour and a privilege to represent the Republic of Ireland as a player and coach for the last 28 years. A special thank you goes out to all the Irish International goalkeepers I have played alongside and had the good fortune to coach.

“I would like to thank the FAI and wish Stephen, the staff and all the players the very best of luck in the World Cup quali qualifiers and for the fu future.”

Former Ireland keeper Kelly was in the headlines in November when he angrily denied leaking the videogate story to an English newspaper.

He issued a social media post of his own at the time - not through the FAI - stating he was ‘ disgusted’ by the suggestion he had. Prior to that Wembley furore breaking in the media, Kelly had sat out the Bulgaria game in Dublin after citing health reasons.

Kelly - also goalkeeping coach under Mick Mccarthy - was replaced for that tie by Steve Williams who has now joined forces with Mickey Harte’s Louth GAA team ahead of the new season.

Last month, Kenny ( above) had claimed Kelly would remain his goalkeeping coach for the World Cup campaign.

Former star Shay Given ( inset) could come into consideration, although he is a coach with Derby.