The euphoria generated by Dundalk’s Champions League heroics on Tuesday night has led some to speculate that Lilywhites manager Stephen Kenny is now a candidate to eventually succeed Martin O’Neill as Republic of Ireland boss, but Kenny’s focus remains fixed on the here and now.
O’Neill has yet to cap a player currently plying his trade in the Airtricity League, but has attended a number of league, cup and European encounters involving Irish clubs.
The Derry man was a captivated spectator at Tallaght Stadium as Dundalk recorded a scintillating 3-0 win over BATE Borisov to progress to the final Champions League qualifying round on a 3-1 aggregate scoreline, with the man who masterminded the win revealing that O’Neill even made it into the Dundalk dressing room.
However, a humble Kenny was in no mood to trumpet his own talents when he spoke to RTÉ Sport, instead celebrating the support and tributes if the national team boss.
“Martin O’Neill is someone who has gained respect,” Kenny said.
“He has such a broad record of achievement and he has huge respect in the game.
“We were delighted that he came to the game. I spoke to him on the phone yesterday. He was getting on a flight – I knew he was coming over.
“We beat Hajduk Split away two years ago - this isn’t a one off - he was at the Hajduk Split home game.
“We played BATE Borisov last year. He was at that game.”
Dundalk will discover who they face in the Champions League on Friday, with Scottish giants Celtic amongst their possible opponents.
Pressed on his own ambitions, Kenny, who has previously managed Longford Town, Bohemians, Derry City Shamrock Rovers and Scottish side Dunfermline, said: “My ambitions now at the moment are certainly with Dundalk Football Club to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League.
“That’s the position were in now in the fourth round. We’ll see who the draw brings on Friday.
“We’ve got to make sure that we prepare well and really do our homework.
“I think last night can really give the players a greater level of confidence again.”
Kenny could be forgiven for still being on cloud nine after an unforgettable night, but he revealed that his feet were very much on the ground and pointed west as the champions prepare for a return to league action.
“I’m not looking that far ahead,” Kenny insisted.
“I’m looking at Galway on Friday night. We’ve a match in two days.”
