Ireland's final international window of 2023: What's next for the Boys in Green?
Here we are at the end of another qualification campaign. Ireland travel to the Dutch capital for a dead rubber match on Saturday night against the world's number eight ranked side. As all Irish fans know, it has been a disappointing Euro 2024 qualification campaign for the Boys in Green, with the only two victories coming against minnows Gibraltar.
TIME FOR CHANGE
This window may well be the end of Stephen Kenny's tenure as Irish manager but the FAI need to get the next appointment right if that is the case.
The starting eleven has drastically changed since Kenny has taken over. It is a much younger and inexperienced team at international level but still should have the quality to compete. The emergence of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson has been positive while Chiedozie Ogbene has also been impressive for his club Luton in the Premier League.
It's a results business and unfortunately for Kenny, the competitive wins haven't manufactured during the three years he has been in charge.
A play-off scenario is very unlikely at this stage so Euro 2016 remains the last time the country has been at a major tournament. That is far too long given it is easier to qualify for these competitions in today's age.
The draw went against Ireland for this qualification group - how could we expect to pull off results against France and the Netherlands? But we should be aiming to pick up points against Gus Poyet's Greek outfit. Those performances were extremely poor and could ultimately cost Kenny his job.
SALUTE TO A STALWART
Following the trip to Amsterdam, Ireland host New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium next Tuesday for their last encounter of 2023. This will also be James McClean's swansong game in green.
The Derry stalwart will earn his 103rd and final cap if all goes to plan. He deserves his send-off. The Wrexham winger has always given his all when he puts on the jersey and provided supporters with some priceless memories with his match-winning goals against Austria in 2016 and Wales the following year.