KENNY WANTS A SWIFT REPLACEMENT FOR DUFF
STEPHEN Kenny is actively seeking a replacement for Damien Duff as senior coach for the Republic of Ireland and is expected to make an appointment shortly. The Ireland boss was stunned by Duff’s exit but his focus has switched to finding a successor. John O’Shea, Lee Carsley, Kenny Cunningham, Andy Reid and Vinny Perth have been mentioned as potential contenders as the former Dundalk boss seeks to move on. Duff, who had been doing his homework on Serbia ahead of the opening World Cup qualifier on March 24, informed FAI chiefs and Kenny of a number of issues he was uneasy about before deciding he couldn’t continue to contribute. Sportsmail understands the FAI’s handling of ‘Wembley-gate’ was not the deciding factor in Duff’s decision to go. Meanwhile, former Ireland defender Gary Breen, feels Duff’s exit is ‘the last thing he (Kenny) needs right now.’ ‘Whatever your (Duff’s) issues are, you’re walking away from the coach when the manager really needs you. ‘I was fascinated to see what actually comes out from both of those guys in terms of the statement, because whether or not you are not happy with the FAI — I don’t know — I’m not sure if that really adds up.’ ‘It’s quite raw, whether or not that will come out, you know how it is in football, the truth does eventually come out.’ Breen reckons Duff’s departure won’t greatly influence Ireland’s World Cup preparations. ‘The reality is if you change coach now just before March, it’s not going to impact that much for the team.’