Kenny Cunningham believes that Ireland’s young players have given cause for hope at the end of a week that has portrayed a fragmented international camp.
After the chaos intimated by Stephen Ward’s message yesterday, Kenny does not believe that the change in attitudes will come by ‘flicking on the switch’, but that the results in the coming months will indicate the harmony within the squad. Two players in particular stood out as representing shining lights
Callum O’Dowda is a “machine” when he accelerates and provides depth to a midfield still reeling from the Wales match on Thursday. Similarly, Aidan O’Brien’s opening goal for his country was “encouraging”.
On the overall harmony within the squad, Kenny gave us the benefit of his 72 international caps.
“What I do know from experience and having been in the dressing room […] is that the harmony around the squad is important. I’m not just talking about the relationship between players here – I’m talking about between the players, manager, assistant coach – the whole management team.
“It does matter when you create that environment where people are comfortable in each other’s company, they can engage with each other and there is a certain level of respect there. That is the kind of environment that people can enjoy coming into; players can thrive in that environment.
“I hope that we have that, because if we don’t have it and it is any way fragmented within the squad, then I fear the worst going forward. That cannot just change just by flicking on the switch, and ultimately performances will reflect that in the coming months, so we will have to wait and see.”
Subscribe to Off The Ball's YouTube channel for more videos like this, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
