Stephen Kenny has been handed a difficult group with regards to the euro qualifiers since the Republic of Ireland under 21 team will be placed alongside the Italy under 21s and the Swedish under 21 team. Kenny has been placed as the successor for Mick McCarthy for the senior managerial post in 2020, but he will be gaining ground as the under 21 manager for most of the campaign. The former Dundalk manager will also be preparing his team to take on the likes of Armenia, Iceland, and Luxembourg in the qualifying group. Kenny replaces Noel King after an incredibly successful in his time at Irish domestic football.

Ireland will be quietly confident about reaching the finals, which will be hosted at Hungary and Slovenia in 2021. The qualification campaign starts in March. There are nine group winners who will be able to reach the finals automatically, while the runner-up from each group will have to reach the finals after a play-off. Even though Kenny will be enjoyed of the under 21 national team only for two matches before he starts work with the senior set up, this time it is expected to be invaluable for both manager and players. After having excelled in domestic football, it is a great opportunity for Kenny to make his mark on the international game.

The 47-year-old started out his career by managing St Patrick’s Athletic U21 back in 1997. He has been in charge of Derry City on two occasions while he has also been able to spend five long years with Dundalk. This is easily his biggest success in club football after winning the league on four occasions along with the League Cup on four occasions. He has been able to win 19 major honours since becoming the manager while he has also been crowned as the PFAI Manager of the Year on three occasions.