Kenny’s maiden competitive win

Stephen Kenny admitted his first competitive win as Republic of Ireland manager was “overdue” after seeing Callum Robinson set up a 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory in Azerbaijan.

Kenny had taken charge of 12 meaningful fixtures before the trip to Baku – one of them a 1- 1 draw with the Azeris in Dublin last month – and had not emerged victorious from any of them.

Howe v e r, Ro b i n s o n’s first-half double and a third goal from substitute Chiedozie Ogbene handed him just his second win in 17 games as Ireland boss and belatedly kickstarted the Republic’s Group A campaign, although too late to rekindle hopes of making it to Qatar next year.

Kenny ( right) said: “The win was overdue and 3-0 away from home in a qualifier is rare.

“T h a t ’s one defeat in our last seven games and that was a late

Po r t u g a l goal from Cristiano

Ronaldo, so I feel we’re improving all the time.

“We have undergone a change in system from March onwards and it suits the players that we have. We’re learning all the time and improving in our attacking play.

“We got some criticism in the home game against Azerbaijan, but they were three great games ( against Portugal, Azerbaijan and Serbia last month) and I thought we performed well at times in that week.

“And today was good to get the goals that give us a platform.”

Asked about Robinson’s contribution, Kenny said: “We have missed him as he wasn’t always available, but he’s very creative and very intelligent in the positions he takes up and the decisions he makes.

“He had three or four easier ones in the second half and the volley, but the two goals were outstanding finishes. He was terrific.”