Connolly dismisses ‘ridiculous’ criticism of Kenny

• Author: Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh
• Published date: 19 December 2020
• Date: 19 December 2020

The 20-year-old missed that game through injury, but he has come out strongly against the story that resulted in public figures in Britain calling for the former Dundalk manager's sacking.

"It was nonsense, wasn't it," said Connolly. "I'm not really sure why it came out in the first place. I think I saw James McClean wasn't happy with it as well; I don't think anyone was.

"It shouldn't be coming out at all. The criticism the gaffer was getting, and people trying to get him sacked, was just ridiculous. I know I definitely wasn't happy with how it came out and I'm sure a lot of the squad was the same. There was nothing wrong with the video."

Ireland ended this calendar year on an historic low, with Kenny recording three draws, five defeats and just one goal in his eight games in charge.

In mitigation, the Dubliner has dealt with an unprecedented run of bad luck due to Covid-19 regulations and injuries, and Connolly is certain things will turn around once the manager has a full complement of players at his disposal.

Ireland's next game is against Serbia in the first World Cup qualifier.

"I think the drought will end first game in the World Cup qualifiers, no doubt about it," Connolly said...