Seamus Coleman has put a draining season at Everton behind him and is feeling sufficiently recharged to drive Ireland’s Nations League assault.
And in sweltering Yerevan, he warned team-mates that they cannot use the heat as an excuse as they look to record a first win at their 11th time of asking in this competition.
If Ireland are to stand any chance of fulfilling Kenny’s wish of topping the group, they need to hit the ground running and see off the world’s 92nd ranked team.
Captain Coleman said: “We’ve played long enough in different climates to understand that it's not always going to be the same. It wouldn't be a ready-made excuse.
“It's going to be tough but we're young fit lads as well so we've got to be prepared for any circumstance and it won't be an excuse.
“I know the bunch of lads would not for a minute take this game for granted. We have been stung in the past so we’re well aware of things like that.
“From when I started to now, all nations have improved massively with their coaching and the tactical side of the game.
“We're fully focused and fully motivated to get a result against a good Armenian team.”
Coleman’s appetite for four quick-fire, end-of-season internationals has certainly been helped by Everton’s last-gasp survival mission in the Premier League.
A behind-the-scenes video tweeted by the club, showing manager Frank Lampard showering Coleman in praise in the dressing room after safety was secured, went viral.
Beckoned by the Toffees boss, Coleman looked completely drained in the immediate aftermath of that remarkable come-from-behind 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
And the mere mention yesterday of Lampard’s display of affection had Coleman squirming a little uncomfortably in his seat at the pre-match press conference.
“Listen, it was a tough season for us all, a lot of emotion went into it, all season, and a little bit of emotion carried through into that game,” he said.
“Regardless of who my manager is, it’s not changed for me.
“I’ve not tried to impress one more than the other, I just want what’s best for the team, myself, the club, my team-mates, my manager.
“For a manager like Frank Lamaprd to say that is obviously a lovely moment, it means a lot.
“I don’t think a lot of people see or understand what goes on behind the scenes, and what you really put into it.
“From that point of view it’s nice of him to put it out there, nice for my parents and stuff like that. For me it’s part of my job and I’m happy the season ended like it did.”
But after the most difficult club season of his career, Coleman insists nobody at Everton is treating their escape as any sort of badge of honour.
“It was a relief, a massive relief,” he continued. “It’s not what we expected at the start of the season but with six or seven weeks to go we had to find a way.
“Our supporters really bought into that with the scenes we were going into at Goodison Park and the scenes leaving the training ground.
“They played a massive part in letting people who play for the club actually understand how big the football club is and how much it means to the people.
“That hit home for some of the players.”
Coleman explained: “You can do all the talks you want. But when you see that emotion in the faces of grown men, women and children when you leave the training ground singing Everton songs with such passion….
“If that doesn’t touch something with a group of players, I don’t know what will.
“It was a stressful season for us all - parents, wife, kids, it was a tough grind. We got what we wanted in the end.
“Not exactly what we’re describing as a successful season but when you get stuck in that rut with six weeks to go we got what we wanted.
“As a club we need to learn massively from it, but I’m glad I’m sitting here and still a Premier League player.”
Now, Coleman is focused on ensuring that Ireland avoid a banana skin in Armenia and get off to a Nations League flyer.
Poised to start at right wing-back, he added: “We know it won’t be easy, but the last 12 months have been really good.
“The team has grown in confidence and we’re playing a style of football that people want to see and we’re forever improving.
“People are desperate to be here and it’s important that the lads show up and be proud to play for your country.”
