IT’S NOW & KEN

Euros – seen as a necessity as four of the games in the finals will be held in Ireland.

The draw for the finals takes place in Dublin in seven days time, with the first qualifiers taking place in March.

The 59-year-old has agreed a two-year deal, believed to be worth €2.4m - having previously been in Ireland’s manager between 1996 and 2002, guiding the country to the World Cup in his last year in charge.

But Kenny insisted he was “absolutely qualified” for the role and he received plenty of support during the week once Martin O’neill (above with Roy Keane) vacated the hot-seat on Wednesday, with many seeing him as the more visionary appointment.

It now seems that he will get his chance in two years’ time.

Kenny will be officially unveiled on Monday.