Liam Brady has warned that Stephen Kenny can't be expected to turn water into wine.
The new Republic of Ireland boss is counting down the days to his first game in charge this September.
He will bring fresh ideas and a new outlook to the national team with fans hoping for an upturn in fortunes.
But Ireland and Arsenal midfield legend Brady says expectations must be realistic.
“We have a limited squad,” he said last night. “Compare us to Wales, for example.
“Although the squads may be similar, Wales have Gareth Bale from Real Madrid and Aaron Ramsey with Juventus.
“We have nobody near that level and Stephen won’t have a magic wand to change that.”
Speaking to 2FMs ‘Game On’, Brady said: “Stephen did a wonderful job in the League of Ireland and brought European success to Dundalk playing entertaining football.
“He comes into the job in unusual circumstances but had a good year at Under-21 level.”
But Brady added: “I feel a bit for Mick McCarthy because we still had a good chance of qualifying for the European finals through the play-offs.”
