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Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough thanked his Republic of Ireland counterpart Stephen Kenny for his help in preparing for next week’s Euro 2020 qualifying play-off final against Slovakia.
Slovakia beat the Republic on penalties last month to set up Thursday’s game at Windsor Park, and Kenny put aside his own disappointment to share scouting information and other advice ahead of the deciding match.
“Stephen called me, wished me all the best for the next game and said if there was anything he could help with, I would just have to ask,” Baraclough said.
“It was more that the analysts came together to have the game on wide screen, which was very good of them, I appreciate that.
The phone call came against the backdrop of Oxford midfielder Mark Sykes shifting his allegiance from Northern Ireland to the Republic in late August, but Baraclough said the ongoing battle for players between the two nations does not mean that the two coaches cannot help each other.
“We both manage our teams, we both take care of our own affairs,” he said. “Things will happen along the line, you may not like certain conversations you have to have, but I am not one to hold a grudge.
“It was great to get a call from Stephen. It was probably a difficult call for him, so I respect him for doing that. I appreciate the hand he has offered me there.
“There are no grudges and I’m certainly not looking to open any wounds. Hopefully we can have a good relationship.”
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