Damien Duff and Keith Andrews to bring different but brilliant qualities to Ireland team
Andrews is Kenny’s assistant manager having been by his side with the Under-21s, while Duff will be a coach in the new regime
by Paul O'HehirDave Rogers believes Damien Duff and Keith Andrews will be a breath of fresh air for the Ireland senior team.
Andrews is Stephen Kenny’s assistant manager having been by his side with the Under-21s, while Duff will be a coach in the new regime.
Rogers has got to know both men on the most recent FAI-run Pro Licence course from which they will soon graduate.
Others on the course include Robbie Keane and Andy Reid along with League of Ireland personalities like Vinny Perth, Neale Fenn, Ger O’Brien and Stephen Rice.
But Rogers said: “Damien will bring leadership and standards to the Irish team. The standards he sets are amazing and second to none.
“He’s a winner. He’s straightforward and he’s honest. With all his experience as a player, he has so much knowledge and so much to give.”
Duff has been first-team coach at Celtic up to now and Rogers added: “On the course, I found that when Damien speaks you just listen.
“He draws you in and he has really good characteristics as a coach. He’s demanding but does things at a really good tempo. He will bring so much support to Stephen.”
Rogers continued: “Keith Andrews is a standup human being. He’s a calmer coach. They both have brilliant qualities but they are different.
“Keith is calm and collected whereas Damien demands those standards and tempo but they have outstanding qualities which I’m sure Stephen will appreciate.”