Kenny Cut To Lead Rep. of Ireland Into Euros

Republic of Ireland’s chances of reaching the Euro 2021 finals are already being backed after Stephen Kenny’s promotion from the Under-21s to the senior side was fast-tracked.

The former Dundalk manager was scheduled to replace Mick McCarthy as boss after Euro 2020, but with the tournament delayed until next year, the FAI have accelerated his appointment and confirmed that he will take over with immediate effect.

Kenny’s first test will now come in the play-off against Slovakia, which looks set to be played later this year after the Covid-19 crisis saw the suspension of football fixtures worldwide.

He will have to overcome the hosts in Bratislava as well beat the winner of Bosnia v Northern Ireland to take his place on the touchline at the European Championships. The chances of the Boys In Green making the finals were at 6/1 on Saturday morning, but BoyleSports have trimmed them into 4/1 after a spike in support upon Kenny’s appointment.

An appearance at the World Cup Finals in Qatar for the Republic of Ireland is also 6/1 from 7/1 as the side chase qualification for the first time since the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea.

Stephen Kenny is still up against the odds if he wants to take the Irish side straight into the Euros, but they’re being given a better chance now he is at the helm.

It seems punters are already optimistic about the new era.

*Prices correct at time of publication.