Kenny's background 'not that important' to O'Neill

What the report says

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has explained why he called up Portsmouth attacker Eoin Kenny for this month’s Nations League matches against Ukraine and Hungary. O’Neill said Kenny’s family link to the Republic of Ireland was not a factor in his decision, stressing that he is judging the 20-year-old on his ability and his progress in Northern Ireland’s pathway.

Kenny, the son of former Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, was born in Northern Ireland and previously played for the Republic at under-19 level before switching to Northern Ireland at under-21 level. He has made 11 appearances for Tommy Wright’s under-21 side and captained them against Greece last month. O’Neill said he was encouraged by Wright’s assessment of the player and by his performances with the U21s.

The BBC Sport report says Kenny has had limited senior football so far at Portsmouth, where he joined from Dundalk in the summer. O’Neill said the international window offers a chance to see him more closely and to show younger players that good form with the under-21s can lead to senior opportunities.

The article also places Kenny’s call-up in the wider context of ongoing interest in international allegiance among young players in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. O’Neill said he has not raised such issues with other players unless they indicate a desire to change associations.