Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has backed Stephen Kenny’s “revolution” to deliver big performances and results in the next Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and the Netherlands in September. However, with points already dropped from the first two qualifiers, the Boys in Green must make up lost ground in Paris and at home to the Dutch. Speaking in Dublin last week at the launch of a new “boot room” scheme launched by his old club Shamrock Rovers, Bazunu said: ‘‘You have seen the way we have performed against Portugal, both home and away, Belgium, against some of the top opposition. You saw the France game at home. That game was very tight, it was just one really good strike that set the two teams apart. I don’t see why we can’t go out and have two more really big performances, but more importantly pick up points. The game in Greece was a very difficult one, it was a very disappointing performance from the whole team. I think the Gibraltar game was a very good performance. I know we didn’t score in the first half, but we created a lot of chances. I didn’t have anything to do at all in the first half. I think it was a brilliant all-round performance in the second game and hopefully we can bring that form into the next two games in September.”
Bazunu says he ignored any pressure on Kenny with debate about his future last month, and backs the manager. “I think Stephen has been an incredible manager for us and I think he is been extremely brave to play the players that he has played. To really bring them through and show that they all have international quality. He has been really brave in allowing us to play such open and expansive football. You can see how many young players he has brought into the team. I think it has been a real revolution of the Irish team and hopefully coming in the next year or two years, you can see these players really fulfil their potential and have a really strong team.”
CARSLEY LEADS
ENGLAND TO CUP
With Stephen Kenny’s future with the FAI safe until September at least speculation about a change of manager has abated. One of the names mentioned as a possible replacement for Kenny was former Irish international Lee Carsley, who is currently England under 21 manager. Last Saturday under Carsley England beat Spain 1-0 to win the European under 21 Championship for the first time in 39 years in Batumi, Georgia. Credit for the goal went to Liverpool Curtis Jones, who deflected Cole Palmer’s free-kick in with his backside. It wasn’t the prettiest goal you’ll ever see, but it was enough to win the final. Carsley contract with England is now due for renewal and it will be interesting to see if has had any other offers.
Sinead Farrelly during Women’s National Team training at Tallaght Stadium ahead of the Irish squad flying out to the World Cup. [Inpho/Ryan Byrne]
MCCABE IS OKAY
Republic of Ireland women’s captain Katie McCabe allayed fears over her ankle injury as she left Dublin on Friday with the Irish World Cup squad for to their pre-tournament base in Brisbane. The women flew by FIFA-funded business class. McCabe was substituted after half an hour in the friendly against France in Tallaght Stadium on Friday night and the visitors went on to win 3-0. McCabe said: ‘‘The ankle is good. I had a scan this morning and it just needs a few days rest. It’s still feeling quite tender, but I am happy with where it’s at. I should be back training in a few days.’’ The Irish women will play fellow finalists Colombia in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Brisbane next Saturday and their first game in the tournament is against Australia in Sydney on July 20.
DOGGED DROGS
HOLD HOOPS
Shamrock Rovers maintained their four-point lead at the top of the Premier Division, but once again the Hoops team failed to beat a dogged Drogheda United side, drawing 1-1 at Weavers Park on Friday night. United manager Kevin Doherty has now overseen an extraordinary six-game unbeaten streak against the reigning champions in the league, including wins home and away and four stalemates. Second placed St Patrick’s Athletic failed to close the gap at the top, drawing 1-1 with second from bottom Cork City at Inchicore.
LOI results: Bohemians 3, Dundalk 2; Derry City 2; Sligo Rov 1, Drogheda 0, Shamrock Rov 0, St Patrick’s Ath 1, Cork City 1, UCD 0, Shelbourne 4.
LUIS SUAREZ, 88
Former Barcelona and Inter Milan midfielder Luis Suarez, the only Spanish-born men's footballer to have won the Ballon d'Or, has died at the age of 88, the two clubs said on Sunday. Suarez, who joined Barca in 1955, won the Ballon d'Or, soccer's most prestigious individual trophy, after claiming a league and cup double with the Catalan side in 1959. He also won 32 caps for Spain and was part of the squad which won the European Championship in 1964.
Affectionately known as “Luisito,” he is considered to be one of the best players in the history of Spanish football, as well as being a key part of Barca in the second half of the 1950s.
Suarez joined Inter in 1961, winning three Serie A titles, two European Cups and two Intercontinental Cups during his nine years in Milan.
COLLINS FOR BARNSLEY
Derry City manager Ruaidhrí Higgins will not be taking over at English League One side Barnsley, as the South Yorkshire club look to replace Michael Duff. Barnsley, who lost to Sheffield Wednesday in the League One play-off final in May, had considered the Limavady man among others for their position, but have appointed former Leeds and Sheffield United defender Niall Collins, who had been managing Tampa Bay Rowdies.
GERRARD FOR
SAUDI ARABIA
Steven Gerrard is the latest big name to make the move to Saudi Arabia after signing a two-year contract to become head coach of Al-Ettifaq. The 43-year-old former Liverpool star has returned to management after being sacked by Aston Villa in October less than a year into the job after winning just two of Villa’s opening 12 EPL games. Gerrard, who previously led Rangers to the Scottish Premier League title in 2020-21 to secure his first managerial trophy, had been long-term target for the Saudi club but he revealed last month he had turned down an initial approach. However, Al-Ettifaq, who finished seventh out of 16 clubs in the Saudi Pro League, maintained their interest and Gerrard has had a change of heart.
VAN DER SAR
TAKEN ILL
Former Netherlands and Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar's condition remains stable but still concerning after suffering bleeding around his brain. The 52-year-old was admitted to intensive care on Friday last. A family statement read: ‘‘The Van der Sar family, along with Ajax, is grateful and deeply touched by the many messages of support.’
Meanwhile Spanish keeper David de Gea says he is leaving Manchester United this summer, saying “it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge.’’
