International friendly: Republic of Ireland v Belgium, Aviva Stadium, Saturday, 5pm – Live on Sky Sports Premier LeagueThis being more centenary celebration than international friendly – actually, it’s the FAI’s 101st birthday but who’s counting – Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny and skipper Séamus Coleman were asked to name the best Irish players of all time.
Kenny’s reply forced us to search hard for the trace of a smile.
“In my early years obviously Liam Brady was outstanding, he was the most creative influence probably, and he was the player I thought was brilliant. After that, the Ronnie Whelans and Ray Houghtons were terrific and really creative.”
Perhaps Kenny believes that the secret to coping with criticism is to lavish praise on the person delivering it. Or he truly loved watching Brady saunter from Highbury to Serie A before finishing his playing days blowing bubbles …
- March 26, 2022
