ROBERTO Martinez believes Stephen Kenny is a kindred football spirit - and is on the right track with Ireland.
Martinez has presided over a golden age for Belgian football at international level, albeit one that has yet to yield the silverware to go with the abundant playing quality and attractive tactics.
With the World Cup at the end of the year in mind, he has taken Belgium to Dublin for a friendly this evening minus a number of his top stars
Speaking tonight at the stadium, Martinez was effusive in his praise of Kenny's "brave" revolution, insisting that the Dubliner's tactics have broken the mould in terms of Ireland teams.
"Absolutely, yeah," said Martinez. "It's one of the great stories in international football because when you're managing at international level you've got two choices.
"You try to bring your best performance and compete or create an idea of play and almost work like you would do at club level and then that takes time.
"But they have clear concepts and clear ways of trying to get the players to enjoy it - and that's what Stephen Kenny has done, it is very recognisable the way that Ireland play.
"It's very brave, attack-minded, clear on their system and he's getting rewards.
"You have to be patient because it takes time. It's a longer time at international level to be able to get those relationships and that understanding on the football pitch.
"But I'm looking at the record of Ireland in the last 10 games (one defeat, four wins and five draws).
"I think it speaks volumes of the style of play, he's bringing the strengths of the players to the next level which has been very interesting to follow from abroad.
"It was always a joy to speak with Stephen. We read the game in a similar manner and we’ve had a couple of contacts and conversations ever since."
Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans, who will captain Belgium, claims that Ireland present a different challenge to before.
"We have analysed them a bit, and they try to play really good football, typical English football," said the 24-year-old, who has 47 caps.
"I know most of the players from England and they are really good players.
"They have good technical ability, and also the intensity they have to put into the game.
"We know this team will give everything for their country, and playing away from home in this stadium is going to be a really good game."
"He is someone I can connect with from a football perspective. I’ve been very impressed with the work that he has done."
Martinez worked with Ireland skipper Séamus Coleman at Everton and, against the backdrop of criticism of the Donegal man at club level in recent times, he was fulsome in his praise.
“Well, I don’t think I can speak highly enough of him," said Martinez. "I worked with Séamus, his responsibility, his leadership in the dressing room, you can see he became a club captain.
"At that time, he was performing for me at the level of the best right backs in the Premier League. And I really enjoyed working with him.
"A true professional, he is someone I really brought the team to a new level. So I am really looking forward to seeing him, it’s incredible that he is still playing at the level he is doing as well."
Martinez will have Anthony Barry as his assistant for the first time, with the Chelsea coach leaving his post with Kenny to move Belgium in recent months.
Asked about Barry, Martinez smiled: "You say it like you’re a little sad to miss him!
"I came across Anthony Barry when he was at Wigan Athletic and he was a very impressive young coach at that point.
"I’ve followed him for a long time, then he moved to Chelsea and won the Champions League.
"He will bring to our set-up something very, very important ahead of the World Cup.
"I don’t need to apologise but I can understand he’s a big miss for Stephen Kenny’s technical staff and I will tell him."
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
