Stephen Kenny has defended his trip to the World Cup in Qatar later this month by insisting it would be a neglect of his duties if he decided to boycott the tournament.
Kenny will spend five nights at the tournament, taking in eight games, including three that feature Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualification rivals.
He will watch France’s clashes with Denmark and Tunisia, as well as the Netherlands’ match with controversial hosts Qatar.
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Kenny has long been outspoken on politics and issues of social justice - and often used his programme notes as Dundalk boss to shine a light on matters close to his heart.
So he was asked yesterday whether he felt conflicted about his trip to Qatar, where thousands of migrant workers have perished and where homosexuality is illegal.
“It’s a valid question,” Kenny said. “I think it’s something we have to consider.
“I was surprised when two World Cups were handed out to Russia and Qatar together.
“The decision around that, the criteria based on giving the World Cup to Qatar at that time was questionable. There’s no doubt about that.
“But the whole idea of boycotting and what boycotts achieve, going back to the Olympics in Russia and America, what do they actually achieve?
“Am I that significant that by me going, it’s going to influence anything? I probably amn’t.
“For me, for football reasons, to see lessons I learned from seeing Portugal in Euros last year were very important.
“I am only there for five nights, I get to see France twice, I get to see Holland. I get to see eight games in five nights and that’s it, I’m out of it.
“I’m employed to the job to the best of my ability. And I’m not doing it right if I’m not getting the opportunity to see the teams there.
“But I see all the arguments as well. I see the other argument.
“Then where do we go with Saudi Arabia, mass beheading, we’ve seen that in recent times.
“With Iran there’s the treatment of women in Iran. So where do we go with all that? Where do we draw the line and where do we not? They are big questions overall.”
Kenny will fly out to Qatar in time for the November 26 clash between reigning holders France and Denmark, before taking in the Netherlands-Qatar clash on November 29 and France’s encounter with Tunisia 24 hours later.
First up though, he has two games of his own to plan for, with Ireland hosting Norway in a friendly next Thursday, before travelling to Malta three days later.
He named his squad yesterday for those two matches, handing first senior calls to Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone - currently on-loan at Stoke - and Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.
Jamie McGrath is back, but Shane Duffy has been left out for personal reasons, while Derby have refused to release Jason Knight or Conor Hourihane because of upcoming FA Cup and league games.
The absence of the Derby pair clearly irritated Kenny, who said: “I’ve no idea why it isn’t a fully sanctioned window that we can demand everyone (is released for).
“Derby have competitive matches, but from our point of view playing for your country is the pinnacle of your career, and should be above everything.
“Ideally we want everyone here but there’s nothing we can do.”
One player who might have expected a call was former Under-21 captain Conor Coventry, who has impressed in seven first-team appearances for West Ham so far this season.
The former Ireland Under-21 skipper was squeezed out when Josh Cullen returned from injury to the Burnley side last weekend.
“There was a question mark over Josh Cullen because he was out with a hamstring. If Josh hadn’t made it, Conor would be in contention for that position,” said Kenny.
“Josh missed a couple of games but played last Saturday.
“It’s difficult to establish yourself in the Premier League. He had a good loan at MK Dons in League One last year.
“I picked Conor for the Under-21s when he was very young. He was possibly 17, going 18.
“He’s had two U21 campaigns and was a regular at that level. I know his qualities.
“He’s played in the Conference League and an hour in the Carabao Cup which is fine but it’s very hard to get a Premier League opportunity with the level of player there.
“He’s another with a very good attitude and values.”
Although named among the forwards in yesterday’s squad announcement, Kenny hinted at a more defensive role for Callum O’Dowda next week.
That’s if he beats off competition for a start at left-wing-back from Robbie Brady and James McClean - with Ryan Manning and Enda Stevens omitted from the squad.
“The player in that position who is doing really well at club level at the moment is Callum O'Dowda,” said Kenny.
“Mainly in my spell as manager he has been injured but he has shaken off that.
“He's someone I have high regard for, he's hit good form in a team that's at the lower end of the championship but he's playing really well for Cardiff He can play at wing back.
“He's athletic and quick, can play in a few positions, has played in a lot of positions for Cardiff and he's someone who is a good prospect.”
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