Republic of Ireland are dreaming of a first major tournament appearance in 12 years.

The emergence of several exciting youngsters combined with the new extended field at next summer's European Championships gives Stephen Kenny's side a real chance of qualification.

Ahead of two crucial clashes with Greece and Gibraltar, we take a closer look at the state of play on the Emerald Isle. 

Luck of the Irish

After an utterly forgettable decade, Irish fans finally have cause for optimism.

Having failed to win any of his first 11 games in charge, including an embarrassing loss to Luxembourg, 51-year-old Kenny was on the verge of the sack two years ago.

But since securing a first victory over Andorra, the Boys in Green have won nine, drawn six and lost six of their last 21 outings across all competitions.

While the victories have largely come against lower-ranked opposition, stalemates against the likes of Portugal, Belgium and Hungary deserve significant credit.

Also, their six defeats have only came by a solitary goal — showing Kenny's men are no soft touch.

Evan's emergence

For the first time since Robbie Keane, Ireland appear to have a world-class No9 on their hands in Evan Ferguson.

Brighton's teenage ace burst onto the scene when netting in his second Premier League appearance against Arsenal last December, becoming the league's youngest Irish goalscorer.

Going on to net an impressive 10 strikes for the Seagulls' senior side last term, Ferguson's stock is rapidly rising and the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham have been linked with a move.

Understandably, excitement levels are high in his homeland and the three-cap international spoke exclusively to LiveScore last month about what he hopes to achieve with his country.

Ferguson said: "As a team, we always try to aim for as best as possible and we obviously want to qualify for tournaments.

"If we get together, get our tactics sorted and we know what everyone’s doing, I think we have a real chance."

New generation

Ferguson is not the only hot prospect to have broken into Ireland's first-team fold in recent times.

Derby's 22-year-old midfielder Jason Knight and the Norwich duo of centre-back Andrew Omobamidele, 20, and imposing striker Adam Idah, 22, have quickly become established regulars under Kenny.

And in between the sticks, they possess one of international football's most promising goalkeepers in 21-year-old Southampton starlet Gavin Bazunu.

Though the young stopper did not have the best of seasons with the relegated Saints, the experience he is securing at such a tender age can only bode well for his career in the long term.

Adding in Rotherham's Chiedozie Ogbene and Wolves' Nathan Collins, the future certainly appears bright.

Back door route

While finishing in the top two of a Euro 2024 qualifying group containing France and the Netherlands looks a tall order, all hope is not lost. 

Even if Ireland fail to qualify via the traditional route, there is a reasonable chance they will be entered into a qualifying play-off thanks to their solid Nations League ranking.

A potential two-legged clash with nations such as Estonia, Luxembourg or Kazakhstan would present a mammoth opportunity to end their recent tournament barren spell.

If Ireland do turn up in Germany next summer, do not count on them simply making up the numbers either.