James MacLean will bid farewell to the international scene tonight when the Republic of Ireland play new Zealand at the Aviva Stadium.
It is the last game of 2023 for the team, and for this cycle, and it seems almost certainly for Stephen Kenny as the manager.
It is the first game in charge though for the new Aviva Stadium CEO David French who took up his new position yesterday.
There are over 41,000 tickets sold for the game, proving that the anticipation and the atmosphere of an international game does cut through what some may perceive as a game too far on the calendar.
It is a measure of the success of the UEFA Nations League that friendlies are few and far between, though with hopes of some high profile games against teams competing in next summer’s Euro 2024 Finals we won’t dismiss their relevance or importance quite yet.
Nathan Collins has been ruled out through injury and has returned to his club. Stephen Kenny has confirmed Evan Ferguson is fit enough to be included in the squad but also confirmed there will be a number of changes to the starting XI for the friendly match.
“We played Holland the other night and they are one of the best teams in Europe. People will have their own opinions on it but I thought it was a good game of football,” said Kenny speaking to the media yesterday.
“Holland were the better team but we fought to the end of that game. It was a tight game in Holland that we lost 1-0 and deserved to lose. It was one of those games, I think with a bit of perspective on that.”
“We’ve got one missing from the squad really, Nathan Collins has an ankle ligaments injury. The squad is as it is otherwise. We’ll see today but I think Evan seems to be ok and he’ll be included in the squad.”
“If it is my last game, so be it. Regardless of what decision is made and if there is a new manager to come in after me, I’ll wish them well, and I’ll wish the team well moving forward.”
“I will be honest with you. It’s not because of my body, or I feel my ability has diminished. I still feel as fit as ever,” said Maclean speaking about his retirement.
“I still believe I am the best person for the role. I have never doubted myself. I played 46 games out of 46 in the Championship last season, 45 of them starts. Ability-wise, I was second for full-backs in goals and assists, and for most successful tackles in the whole league.
“There’s other factors. I have personal reasons and my own reasons for stepping away, I feel now is the right time to step aside. Let others come through, I’ve had my time. For me now is the perfect time to step away, I have no regrets.”
Ireland beat New Zealand 3-1 at the Aviva Stadium in 2019, the only time they have met. The All-Whites have two draws and nine defeats against European opposition.
Avoiding defeat is important tonight with the last time we lost three home games in a row dating back to 1972.
