Seamus Coleman has shared his admiration for Stephen Kenny, who was unveiled as Irish U21 boss and future Ireland manager last week:

"First and foremost, I think it’s great for Stephen. I think he’s worked extremely hard in the League of Ireland. I’m sure a lot of people have noticed that, they have if he’s got the appointment as the U21’s manager and future international manager."

"I like to see people who work hard get what they deserve in the long run. He had some great nights in Europe," he told Off The Ball, adding that the Irish club "held their own" in the group stages of the Europa League under Kenny.

The Everton-man cut his teeth playing for Sligo Rovers.

The Irish captain added that he is yet to speak with Mick McCarthy since he was appointed Ireland manager and that he hasn't come across the former-Ipswich boss before during his career.

Coleman also told Nathan Murphy that he had sympathy for Martin O'Neill who parted ways with the FAI last month and that he felt that individual players need to improve their performances when wearing the green shirt.

Ireland were drawn in 2020 qualification Group D, where they will face top seeds Switzerland, as well as Denmark, Georgia and Gibraltar.