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24th March 2023
01:04pm GMT
Kenny is under mounting pressure ahead of Ireland's Euro 2024 qualification campaign. (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption]
Confidence is not exactly high within the Irish camp, following yet another perplexing display on Wednesday night against minnow opposition in the world's 133rd ranked side, Latvia.
The Boys in Green eventually eked out a 3-2 win, and played some fine football in the opening half an hour, but the concession of two more goals against such meagre opposition put somewhat of a dampener on the previously buoyant mood around the Irish squad.
One cause for optimism amongst Irish fans though is the likely presence of 18-year-old striker Evan Ferguson leading the line for Ireland, with the Brighton attacker proving to be one of the few positives from the drab Latvian clash.
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Evan Ferguson produced a memorable display on his first senior start. (Credit: Sportsfile)[/caption]
Scoring on his first senior start for his country, Ferguson has ratcheted up the sense of belief to an even greater extent that he could in fact be the answer to Ireland's long-held goalscoring problems.
New addition Mikey Johnston was another who shone despite the poor collective team performance on Wednesday night, with the Vitória winger producing a lively display in his 30 minute debut cameo and potentially causing a selection headache for Kenny in the process.
Others who impressed on the night included 23-year-old debutant Will Smallbone, who was the only notable performer in a disorganised Irish midfield, but a start against the French may be step too far for the Stoke playmaker.
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The French will be looking to avenge their World heartbreak. (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption]
Antoine Griezmann has been overlooked by Deschamps for the French captaincy. (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption]
First up for Les Bleus though is the challenge of World Cup quarter finalists, the Netherlands, who travel to Paris looking to take advantage of a what could potentially be a new-look France side.
Ireland manager Stephen Kenny will surely be keeping a keen eye on proceedings at the Stade de France, as he plots his side's route to claiming yet another famous scalp at Lansdowne Road.
On what is set to be a raucous occasion at the Aviva Stadium on Monday night, here is our Ireland team selection to halt Kylian Mbappé and the star-studded playing cast which supports him:
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