‘My instinct is that is not going to happen’

Stephen Kenny insists he will “respect whatever decision” is made regarding his future as the Republic of Ireland manager but admits he doesn’t expect to be offered a new contract.

Republic of Ireland have managed just two wins from eight in a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, both of which came against Gibraltar.

It left Kenny’s side fourth in Group B, 12 points off an automatic spot in next year’s major tournament draw.

The Football Association of Ireland are meeting next week and the 52-year-old isn’t optimistic about the outcome.

“It would be a dream to carry on but my instinct is that is not going to happen,” Kenny said, after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with New Zealand in a friendly.

“That’s my own instinct and the evidence would suggest it’s not going to happen,” he added

“Obviously the board are meeting next week. They have a decision to make and I respect whatever that decision is.”

Kenny took the reins in 2020 but has overseen just six wins in 29 games in charge.

Despite being drawn in the same Euro qualification group as France and the Netherlands, there was hope Kenny could at least guide Ireland to a spot in the play-offs but those hopes were extinguished when they lost twice to Greece.

Whatever happens, Kenny says his time in charge of the national team has been a “huge privilege” and one that will be hard to follow.

“From my point of view, there is no greater honour than managing your country,” he said. “It’s a huge privilege and it was an emotional dressing room with the players there.

“There is so many great people there. Whatever you do in life, it will be a step down. No matter what you do. But that’s the way it is.

“I’ve always been a big picture person. You have to see what the picture is and see what you can achieve or obtained and be worked towards.

“When you do that and you set the bar high, your fall can be acute. That’s the nature of how I have always managed, really.

“It leads you to incredible highs and setbacks. That’s how I see things. I don’t mean that as some badge of honour. You can only be true to yourself.”

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