STEPHEN Kenny believes that Seamus Coleman and Matt Doherty can be accommodated in the same Republic of Ireland team.
Kenny, speaking today as he announced a 25-man squad for three forthcoming games, including Thursday-week’s Euro 2020 play-off against Slovakia, insisted that both players could both feature.
Killybegs man Coleman – who is still the irish captain – was left out of Kenny’s teams for games against Bulgaria and Finland.
Coleman has received high praise from Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti in recent weeks.
“Do I think they can play in the same team? I do,” Kenny said today at a press conference.
“All the players are important, Seamus has been captain for a long time, has been a great captain, he has been terrific. These are good problems to have, these are the problems we want to exist.
“We don’t have that situation in every position but we are pleased that several players are playing regularly in the first team and there’s a difference between now and month ago, players were in pre-season and hadn’t played games. Seamus is in flying form.
“We will do what we feel is right for the game, that’s the key, they are both versatile players.
“Matt and Seamus are huge assets to Ireland and that’s what we want, we want that in all positions. What anyone else thinks is irrelevant, Seamus has been a great captain for Ireland, a great player and has had a great start to the season.”
Ireland take on Slovakia in Bratislava before facing Wales and Finland in the Nations League.
Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne and Blackburn Rovers defender Derrick Williams feature for the first time in an Ireland squad under Stephen.
The squad will assemble in Dublin on Sunday and train at the FAI’s National Training Centre in Abbotstown before flying to Slovakia on Tuesday.
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