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Stephen Kenny is preparing to cast Matt Doherty ahead of Seamus Coleman for his first game as Ireland manager.
The Ireland manager has indicated that he will be left with four defenders for tonight’s game against Bulgaria and that effectively means a direct choice between Doherty and Coleman for the right-back spot, given their plans to operate in a 4-3- style. 3. system.
Kenny is leaning towards Spurs’ new 15 million pound (17 million euro) pick, Doherty, after offering the view that he has been undervalued by previous international team coaches. He took his captain, Coleman (below), with him to last night’s stadium press conference in Sofia, but it is anticipated that Doherty will get the go-ahead with the coach in favor of retaining the back four who started the last game Mick McCarthy in charge, with Enda Stevens at full left and Shane Duffy and John Egan partnered in the visitors’ central defense.
Kenny admits that speaking honestly about his consideration for his players may have created expectations, but he’s comfortable with the pressure.
He has promised an aggressive and positive approach to ushering in a new era.
The former Dundalk manager cautioned that it may be unrealistic to expect radical changes after a handful of training sessions.
However, he is confident that players can adapt to a style shift towards a more possession-based approach.
“Sometimes I answer questions too honestly, but it’s not a deliberate strategy,” suggested Dubliner, 48.
“Maybe it’s not wise, maybe other people are wiser than me.
“But I do think we have a lot of potential in the ranks.
“We already have a lot of good players in the team and I think it’s a great honor to lead this group, a great privilege. I don’t really see any additional pressure.”
“We definitely have a clear way of how we want to play.
“We will be aggressive, I say that absolutely with conviction.
“We will push high in the way that we are capable of and ultimately we will want to control the games in the way that we can.
“They are all good players who are playing at a high level and are used to changing coaches.
“They are tactically adaptable and intelligent people and they can carry things on board.”
Irish independent
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