It hasn’t always been a barrel of laughs but Jason Knight is seeing the value of an education at Ireland’s school of hard knocks.
A year ago, the Boys in Green experienced their nadir when Gerson Rodrigues scored a late goal at Aviva Stadium to hand Luxembourg a shock World Cup qualifying win.
It was a shambolic night and, according to captain Seamus Coleman in the immediate aftermath, a ‘shocking and embarrassing result’.
Indeed, it was all of that.
Knight had a ringside seat having played the entire game and Kenny had a job on his hands to convince people that his appointment wasn’t a gigantic mistake.
But his critics, or at least those with a penchant for knee-jerk reactions, displayed no desire for patience and the potential rewards that such a stance might bring.
A year on, Ireland appear to be a team going places but are still dining off October and November wins over Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.
Victory in tomorrow’s friendly over Lithuania would certainly be another step in the right direction.
But the draws against Portugal and Serbia, twinned with Saturday’s fightback against Belgium, shine a brighter light on the potential of Kenny’s squad.
Derby County ace Knight is one of the young players thriving under this manager since his elevation during the previous Nations League campaign in late 2020.
Capped 10 times, injury hampered his progress at a key juncture last year just as Ireland were starting to get their act together.
He missed September’s games against Portugal, Azerbaijan and Serbia.
And just when he was poised to return, he was forced to isolate in his Baku hotel room for the win in Azerbaijan the following month.
But a firm favourite of Kenny’s, the versatile midfield operator then had a starring role off the bench in Luxembourg, teeing up Callum Robinson for a great team goal.
And he played his part in twice lifting Ireland off the floor against Belgium’s second string at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
Asked to assess the team’s progress since that horror show at home to Luxembourg, Knight, 21, said: “Look, you always have tough times in your career.
“That was a tough time for the country and for the squad but the progression we’ve seen throughout the last year or 18 months has been really good.
“And there’s still more to come.”
Knight continued: “There are things to improve, but we always believe when we go out on that pitch that we can compete with anyone, even those big nations.
“There’s great character in this squad, from dealing with setbacks as we’ve gone through tough times as a squad.
“We built a big, big character in the squad to come through those times. Against Belgium, we went a goal down and that can be a sucker punch but we got through it.
“They had a bit of possession after that, but our reaction to the second goal was really good.
“We were disappointed with the set piece we conceded but that’s something we can tighten up on but overall I think it was a good performance and good result.”
Ireland fans were already falling in love with Chiedozie ‘Chieo’ Ogbene but even more so after his outstanding display against the world’s No 1 team.
He pulled the Boys in Green level with an audacious overhead kick for a third goal in six caps.
And then the Rotherham United ace, 24, had the presence of mind to keep a late ball in play and cross for Alan Browne’s header.
That attacking trio of Ogbene, Callum Robinson and Knight is one that Kenny is already putting a lot of faith in.
Knight said: “I think Chieo has been a breath of fresh air ever since he came into the squad.
“He’s great around the place and his performances have been excellent. We just need more from that and the rest of the squad moving forward.”
“I’ve played with Callum and Chieo quite a bit now. It’s quite a fluid relationship and we are good mates off the pitch. That helps a lot.
“I also expect a lot from myself. Goals and assists would be great but it’s about working really hard and putting the best performance in. That’s all the manager asks for.”
Ireland hope to close out this international window with a win against Lithuania tomorrow, when Kenny is expected to ring the changes.
Knight hopes to be involved and said: “It’s going to be a big game for us and we’ll try to get a win in front of our fans.”
Meanwhile, Knight has credited Wayne Rooney - along with Kenny - for turning him into one of Ireland's emerging stars.
And the Derby County midfielder feels fortunate to have the managers he has for club and country.
But Knight admits it has been difficult at Derby this season as the club tries to pull off the great escape while in administration.
The Rams were docked 21 points because of their financial woe and are bottom of the Championship, eight points clear of the drop zone.
Rooney has been unable to sign players or offer contract extensions because of the club’s transfer ban.
And Ireland Under-21 star Festy Ebosele has already agreed a move from Derby to Italian side Udinese this summer.
And Knight - who was captain under Rooney last year - is also expected to leave amid ongoing Premier League interest.
He will have big decisions to make this summer.
And the Ireland players have just seen how ruthless Stephen Kenny can be, axing Jamie McGrath after his move to Wigan turned sour.
Knight will have to get it right but said: “I haven’t really thought that far ahead. I’m taking it game by game.
“It’s obviously a difficult situation at Derby. We’re still trying to get out of it and I want to play my best for the club.
“And when I come away with Ireland it’s the same. I’m just trying to do my best and keep myself in the team as much as I can.”
But Knight has credited former Manchester United star Rooney for helping him become an emerging force.
He added: “The gaffer at Derby has been a great player but he has been a really, really good coach for me so far, giving little snippets of advice.
“And I’m trying to take that day by day, just to improve. That’s the best thing I can do at the moment.
“It’s the same here with the manager (Stephen Kenny) and the coaching staff, they’re always trying to help me improve.”
Quizzed on Ebosele’s eye-catching deal with Udinese, Knight said: “It’s an interesting move. I hope it goes really well for him, but I don’t know how it’ll go.”
