In Focus: Was Serbia defeat a glimpse into the future for Ireland?

Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has not won any of his first nine games in charge — yet the optimism around his side has never been higher. 

Kenny's young team were beaten 3-2 in Serbia on Wednesday but the display in Belgrade served as a promising glimpse at a brighter future for the fledgling group. 

Ahead of tonight’s World Cup qualifier with Luxembourg, we turn the spotlight on the manager's methods. 

Out with the old…

One of the big criticisms of Ireland managers of the recent past has been an over-reliance on the same tired old names. 

But that is not an accusation you can level at Kenny. 

The former Dundalk boss, 49, has enjoyed a new broom effect and only six members of Ireland’s most recent squad are aged 30 or over. 

Celtic loanee Shane Duffy was one of the most high-profile victims against the Serbs, dropping out for Dara O’Shea, 20, while Robbie Brady, James McClean, Jeff Hendrick and Shane Long were named alongside him on the bench.

...in with the new

Having been promoted from Ireland’s Under-21 set-up, Kenny has had oversight of a number of the country’s most promising youngsters. 

As such, there have been call-ups for uncapped goalkeepers Caoimhin Kelleher, 22, and Gavin Bazunu, 19, as well as midfielders Jack Taylor and Conor Coventry, both 20. 

The starting XI against Serbia had an average age of just 25 with an average of 15 caps per man, boosted significantly by the returning Seamus Coleman, 32, who boasts 56. 

Change of shape

After Mick McCarthy stood down last April at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, Kenny initially stuck with the now Cardiff manager's preferred 4-3-3 system.

But for Wednesday’s trip to Serbia he switched to a back three — with Tottenham’s Matt Doherty and Enda Stevens of Sheffield United deployed as wing-backs. 

The pair have both played their best football as wing-backs, rather than full-backs, and gave the Irish a new dimension going forward, as well as additional defensive support. 

It also meant they could play with two out-and-out forwards — Callum Robinson and Aaron Connolly — both of whom had bags of pace and were full of running. 

Front-foot approach

If Republic of Ireland sides of the past have lacked ambition, the same could not be said for Kenny’s young charges, who took the lead inside 20 minutes on Wednesday night — ending a seven-game, 11-hour goal drought. 

The intent, pressing, passing and movement promised by Kenny’s appointment were also on full view.

A side unburdened by the mental baggage of previous failures, the side played with a new vim and vigour. The kind it was hoped Kenny would instil. 

Speaking afterwards, the boss said: "I think the players were terrific. Normally when you concede three goals it’s because you’ve conceded seven or eight chances. They’ve been ruthless with their finishing on the night. 

"All things considered, we are really disappointed to lose that game."

The future

Next up for Ireland is an opportunity to finally give Kenny the tangible reward for his efforts so far — a home clash with Group A minnows Luxembourg, who have yet to play in this qualifying campaign. 

Kenny will have tough decisions to make — not least in goal where Bournemouth youngster Travers was culpable for Aleksandr Mitrovic’s lob from distance. 

He has also hinted at future changes by saying: "We have to be flexible. We can't tie ourselves to one system.” 

The time for waiting is over — and there is every reason to believe Kenny's Republic of Ireland will finally deliver.