Ireland Under-21 manager speaks to Off The Ball

Stephen Kenny feels a bright new generation of talent is coming through at underage level for Ireland.

The Ireland Under-21 manager was speaking to Off The Ball after his side beat Luxembourg on Sunday.

He is excited by the talent that is breaking through the Irish youth ranks.

Kenny credits FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter for his role.

"I think Ruud Dokter has a vision for what he wanted when he came in six years ago," said the ex-Dundalk boss.

Attacking talents

"The Under-19s qualified for the European Championships. England and Germany haven't qualified for the Under-19 European Championships.

"It shows that it's a terrific achievement. Obviously, the Under-17 European Championships are in Ireland in May and it's amazing to have the Championships here."

Kenny also feels much of the emerging talent is of an attacking nature.

"There are some good young players coming through at the moment," he said.

"There is a generation of attacking players in the 2000 to 2001 group which means they're only 17-18.

"So there are some really good attacking players. We've seen Adam Idah score for the Under-21s, so there are some young attacking players coming through. And we're quite excited by that."

Kenny also spoke about the "great stories" in the current Under-21 ranks. He specifically name-checked Jayson Molumby, who captained the side against Luxembourg at the weekend.

You can watch the full chat with Stephen Kenny above via the Football Show YouTube.