Listen: Kevin McHugh backs ‘thinker’ Stephen Kenny for international success

Kevin McHugh has backed Stephen Kenny to succeed in the Republic of Ireland U21 hotseat and follow Mick McCarthy as the Irish senior boss.

McHugh played for two seasons at Derry City under Kenny, winning an FAI Cup in 2006 and two League Cups, in 2006 and 2008.

Kenny has guided Dundalk to four League titles and will be announced tomorrow as the new Ireland U21 boss, with a view to succeeding McCarthy – who will be unveiled as Martin O’Neill’s successor – as senior manger in 2020.

“On paper, it seems like a fantastic set-up, long-term and short-term,” McHugh said.

“The biggest thing is that Stephen trusts in people to do a job on a par with anyone. No matter who you’re playing, Stephen backs you to win.

“For him, the step up to international, he’ll 100 per cent believe that he can get the best out of those players. 

“Stephen is a thinker and I have no doubt that he’ll do a good job.

“He’s a great man-manager. He’s very positive in terms of tactics.”

Listen to the full interview below …

https://soundcloud.com/donegalsportstalk/kevin-mchugh-reacts-to-stephen-kenny-to-ireland-u21-confirmation