Ireland boss defends scouting trip to Qatar

Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has defended his decision to travel to the World Cup finals in Qatar as he carries out a Euro 2024 scouting mission.

The former Dunfermline manager will spend five days at the tournament and run the rule over Group B rivals France and Netherlands ahead of the start of the new qualifying campaign in March next year.

The Ireland manager has spoken out about the award of the finals to the Gulf state in the past – Qatar played as guests in the Republic’s World Cup qualifying group – and admits to a degree of conflict over the matter.

Kenny said: “Yes, it could be argued, but I’m not sure, to be honest, I’m that significant a person that I can influence any decisions at any level.

“I’m just going in and out for five days. I’m going to see France twice – I’ve got to do the job to the best of my ability as Irish manager.

“I get to see France twice against Tunisia and Denmark, I get to see Holland ahead of the World Cup.

“Obviously, with the nature of matches only being an hour away, I get the opportunity to go to eight games in five days just to continue learning and to find out about France and Holland particularly before we play them, which is important for us, massive for us.

“Everything has been building towards these European Championships and towards attempting to qualify for the European Championships.

“That’s been a big ambition and it’s important to see the teams at their best in full flight. It gives you a real perspective on the team. That’s the reason I’m going.”

Kenny’s comments came hours after Norway counterpart Stale Solbakken, whose side face Ireland in a friendly in Dublin tonight, accused football of not doing enough to prevent the finals from going to Qatar.

Asked about Solbakken’s remarks, he said: “It’s a legitimate criticism.

“I can’t discount that point of view.”