Republic Of Ireland winger Mark Sykes reckons the international side faces "an uncertain time" as the squad accept they are "maybe not going to see [manager Stephen Kenny] again" after Tuesday night's humdrum draw at home to New Zealand.
Along with Mikey Johnston, the Bristol City wideman was the pick of Ireland's attacking players as the Kenny era drew to a likely conclusion with an underwhelming performance at Lansdowne Road.
The game also marked the 103rd and final cap of James McClean's career. The Derryman received a massive reception from the 26,000 crowd when he was replaced by Ryan Manning in the 68th minute.
"We wanted to send James off with a nice win but it wasn't to be in the end," Sykes told RTÉ Sport's Tony O'Donoghue after the game.
"The lads are gutted for him but that’s football and we just have to brush ourselves down and be ready to go again in March.
GOAL! Mark Sykes nicks the ball off Pijnaker before setting up Adam Idah to slot home.
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"The manager’s tried a few different things out tonight. Playing a lot of players, including myself, who haven’t played minutes. He touched on it in the changing room, a lot of players played who haven’t played much at club level this season so it’s probably not the first 11 he would name if he could pick his strongest.
"We tried our best out there and probably just came up a little bit short."
On the manager's assumed departure, Sykes was keen to pay tribute to the man who gave him his international debut, allowing him to become the first Belfast man to be capped for the Republic since 1946.
"Everybody is disappointed. There’s a few chats going on in there at the minute," Sykes said. "James wanted to say a few words. The manager, obviously is uncertain about what’s next for him. We’re maybe not going to see him again after tonight.
"Everyone is just speaking about the good times, thanking everyone for being around when times are being tough.
"It’s an uncertain time for a lot of people but I want to say thanks to the manager for giving me my first cap. I’ll be forever grateful."
