Kenny’s background ‘not that important’ to O’Neill

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill says Eoin Kenny’s family connection to the Republic of Ireland did not influence his decision to call the 20-year-old into the senior squad. O’Neill said he assessed Kenny as a player and believes he has earned the opportunity after strong performances for Northern Ireland’s under-21s.

Kenny, the son of former Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, was born in Northern Ireland and played for the Republic at under-19 level before switching to Northern Ireland. He has made 11 under-21 appearances, captained the side against Greece and recently joined Portsmouth, where he has made one Championship appearance. O’Neill said the call-up will let staff assess him closely and show younger players there is a route from under-21 to senior international football.