Ireland coach Kenny eyes Euro 2024 after signing extension

Posted March 10, 2022 6:00 am

The Associated Press

DUBLIN (AP) - Ireland coach Stephen Kenny's 'œbig dream'ť is to qualify for the 2024 European Championship now that he's signed a contract extension.

Kenny discussed his goals for Ireland at a news conference Thursday, a day after he was given an extension through the Euro 2024 tournament being held in Germany.

"The ambition is obviously to go to Germany and qualify for the European Championships,'ť he said.

Ireland's first appearance at a major tournament came at the 1988 European Championship, also in Germany, where Jack Charlton's team memorably beat England 1-0 in Stuttgart.

'œI realize it's a big ambition, a big dream, to go back to where Ireland started,'ť Kenny said. 'œNo stone will be left unturned attempting to do that.'ť

Kenny succeeded Mick McCarthy in April 2020 and then went winless in his first 11 matches. Ireland has rebounded, however, by recording four wins in nine games, and its only defeat was a 2-1 loss to Portugal in World Cup qualifying thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's late goals.

Ireland hosts top-ranked Belgium and then Lithuania for friendlies later this month ahead of the Nations League campaign starting in June.

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FILE - Ireland coach Stephen Kenny, right, points as Ireland's James McClean holds the ball during the World Cup 2022 group A qualifying soccer match between Ireland and Azerbaijan at Aviva stadium in Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021. Ireland coach Stephen Kenny's 'big dream' is to qualify for the 2024 European Championship now that he's signed a contract extension. Kenny discussed his goals for Ireland at a press conference on Thursday, March 10, 2022, a day after he was given an extension through the Euro 2024 being held in Germany. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison, File) The Associated Press

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