JAMES MCCLEAN SAYS managing the Republic of Ireland team is the “ultimate job” for Stephen Kenny after it was revealed this week that he is set to remain in the position for the remainder of Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Kenny has been heavily criticised after his team suffered four defeats from the first five games of the campaign, which effectively rules out any hopes of automatic progress in the competition. A play-off spot is highly unlikely given that will be determined by Nations League rankings.
Speaking on the Late Late Show, McClean said that while the team is disappointed with their results so far in the qualifiers, he stressed that Kenny’s commitment to the job cannot be questioned.
“Look for me, I’m not the decision-maker so I can’t get into too much on that but I can speak on Stephen and I see what the job means to him and what puts in day in and day out when we meet him. For him, it’s the ultimate job – managing his country. He’s passionate about it and he’s determined to succeed. You’re judged on results and we all wish this campaign would go better than it has so far but I’m thankful that I’m not the decision-maker on things like that.”
"On the spectrum and proud of it"
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) September 15, 2023
James McClean on tonight's #LateLate @patrickielty pic.twitter.com/t0tch4hTM9
The Late Late Show’s new presenter Patrick Kielty also asked McClean about his plans for his international future, and whether he has began contemplating retirement.
“In football, you get old unfortunately,” the 34-year-old explained.
“All good things come to an end. Look, there’s still four games left in this calendar year so it won’t be any time before that but there’s a long gap until the next campaign and I’ll be another year older so I think in a year’s time when that campaign comes around, I’ll see where I’m at and I’ll make a decision based on how things are at the time.”
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U’s are 100% right every hurler in every county has the right to hurl for there county if you’re in the Div 1 or Div 4, give everyone the chance to hurl and enjoy our great game. Wexford Fan,
It would help greatly if the elite counties spoke up and supported them
Hurling is suffering all over the country. Not as many kids are playing. Its all soccer. Gaa need to promote themselves better. It no good only playing summer months. Soccer is played 9 mths of year and gaa need to do this also. Promotion is key and gaa are falling behind.
@Sean: not enough been done in primary schools. Lack of male teachers is a massive factor. Also all these lads getting paid by the GAA to go into primary school and they are nowhere to be seen. Usually “County stars” getting paid so they don’t have to work and are available for training but never turn up. All boils down to money.
@Red Rooster: can you back that opinion up with any facts?
@mainmsam: it would be the local club that would go into the primary schools. If tat doesnt happen they go to other clubs where friends would go. I agree wiy not enough male teachers. All gaa want is cash in and want to spend sfa.