Why the future of Irish football should be looked at positively.
Why the future of Irish football should be looked at positively.
By Steven Kelly. 12/10/2021
Despite the fact that the Republic of Ireland will fail to qualify for next year's World Cup finals in Qatar, most of us can agree that the team is in a time of transition. However the side has shown in performances against Serbia and Portugal that given time, they will be able to compete once more on the European and World stage. Manager Stephen Kenny recently pointed to the fact that “the team had only lost 1 in their last 7.” This was quickly disregarded by RTE pundit and former German star Didi Hamann who after Ireland's 3-0 away win in Baku said “The manager has just won his first competitive game in 13 attempts. To say that the team has only lost once in seven is wrong. Look at the table. The results in qualifying haven’t been good enough. We need to have perspective” There are many pros and cons in terms of looking at the squad. It can’t be argued for one second that the boys in green are developing under Kenny’s stewardship.
The general public has for years cried out for a better style of play. It has to be noted that the green army is most definitely playing a more attacking style of football. Building from defence to attack the Irish team are holding onto possession a lot longer. Unfortunately, most fans focus on the results and not the bigger picture. “Caveman football”, as former RTE pundit Eamonn Dunphy referenced previous Irish sides. Personally, it is hard to imagine many wanting that one-dimensional style of football returning. It is a new dawn for Irish football and instead of judging one campaign, fans should embrace Kenny and back the side, ahead of the Euro 2024 qualification campaign. Not only has Kenny stamped his style of play on the team, but has given opportunities to the next generation. Ireland is blessed with hugely talented Goalkeepers. Gavin Bazunu has been a revelation since being introduced to competitive action. The 19-year-old shot-stopper is currently playing his trade on loan at Portsmouth. His ability to play with his feet and make point-blank saves is hugely impressive and with many years ahead of him, Ireland is looking at a world-class keeper. Waiting in the wings is Cork and Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher. Kelleher has shown in action for Liverpool in the cup competitions that he is a huge talent and will also give competition to Bazunu, which is a good headache for manager Kenny to have.
Other players who have developed throughout this current campaign include the likes of Andrew Omobamidele who is an assured defender. The Norwich player will improve further by having premier league experience under his belt. He has shown particularly against Serbia at the Aviva, that he is able to stand up to quality opposition. He is very calm in position and loves defending. His attitude will only benefit the players around him. Midfield players such as Josh Cullen, Jamie McGrath, Jayson Molumby, Daryl Horgan as well as the forward options in Adam Idah, Chiedozie Ogbene, and Troy Parrott with time can be the bones of a quality side. Goalscoring for this Irish side, particularly in the final third, has been an issue, but people seem to forget that these forwards are only in the 19-22 age bracket. It is not as if you can just find a Robbie Keane overnight. These players will improve once they have had more experience.
Another positive is the fact that these players are surrounded by more experienced internationals. Having Seamus Coleman, Matt Doherty and James MacClean around for another campaign will give the younger group more confidence and will benefit their play when the older players have moved on. It is important that these players play week in week out. A huge problem Irish teams have had in the past was the fact that players weren’t playing regularly and it would show when they came up against high-quality opposition. Not to pinpoint anybody in particular but when Ireland played France on that fateful night in Paris, Paul Macshane and Darren Gibson were brought on to play. Neither player was playing consistently for their clubs. It is a sin to expect players to go out at International level and put in performances when they aren't playing at club level. See further evidence in the link below.
Recently Ireland’s u17’s had a 5-0 win over Andorra and it was the 1st time in history it contained a squad that had no player playing in any English club side. This is something else that is improving the game here. More and more players are playing throughout Europe and honing their craft. As a result, our players are becoming more technically aware and are more open to expressing themselves. Irish football could benefit from having more Irish league based players and develop the grassroots game here more. It is a quick fix to want to send our talent across the pond. However, this is not always of benefit to our players. As Irish people, it is easy to look at the negative surrounding Irish football, including the FAI and the exposure of its financial state. However, Kenny is building something great with the squad and as fans, it is our job to get in behind the renaissance that is ahead. Time is of the essence and this Irish side deserves our time, patience and respect. Hold tight.
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