What we are trying to create here is a system which will encourage players to flourish.. to be the best we can be
Kenny’s young guns did the business at under-21 and now they’re handed their chance at the highest level...
STEPHEN KENNY has the gang back together and Ireland fans are licking their lips in anticipation of the senior team’s new attacking threat.
Adam Idah, 19, Troy Parrott 18, and Aaron Connolly, 20 all left their mark on Kenny’s Ireland under-21 team.
So too did skipper Jasyon Molumby who, like Idah (left), is elevated to the senior team for the first time ahead of the Nations League games against Bulgaria and Finland.
On paper, Idah, Parrott and Connolly have plenty to offer a stagnant attack that managed just seven goals in its eight Euro 2020 qualifying games up to this point.
Finding the net has been the biggest problem for this team since Robbie Keane retired.
Yesterday, the new senior boss expressed caution about expecting too much, too soon from the trio.
But they are here to play, adding energy and imagination to the older guard where there is no room this time for Seanie Maguire or Scott Hogan.
Interestingly, while Parrott has grabbed the most headlines of the trio up to now, he only makes this squad because of David Mcgoldrick’s foot injury.
The Sheffield United star and recently crowned Ireland Player of the Year will miss the Bulgaria game but Kenny hopes to have him available against Finland.
All eyes are on Parrott having joined Millwall on loan from Tottenham for the season ahead. Finally, we get a prolonged opportunity to see what the fuss is about. Capped once under Mccarthy, the idea that he would just ride into this senior squad on a golden ticket was dismissed last night by
Kenny.
“Being honest, Troy was not in my initial squad but
David Mcgoldrick has that injury and missed the last game of last season,” said the manager. “If you’re leaving someone like David out, the player we have with the closest characteristics to him is actually Troy.
“Troy likes to be the focal point of the attacks and take the ball into his chest and into his feet. He likes to utilise the players around him and he’s exceptional in the box.
“Troy is not one for running the channels all day – he looks after the ball, protects it and has good vision and good link up play.
“He likes to come right into midfield, that’s how they’ve schooled him – like Harry Kane at Spurs who comes into midfield and players run in behind him. But my concern was that he had not played enough football. But he has done monstrous training with Millwall and looks in brilliant condition – he’s flying.”
Kenny believes the team he inherited is already defensively sound but he wants to add pace and creativity in attack.
And Idah has the ingredients to spice up the party.