Stephen Kenny has baulked at claims that Ireland's improved performances are because his team has reverted to a 'British style' of football.
Luxembourg boss Luc Holtz made that assessment at today's pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's final World Cup qualifier.
Since taking charge, Kenny has made it his mission to change the way Irish teams play although at Dundalk he was pragmatic and mixed it up when needed.
Ireland are on a revenge mission after losing 1-0 at home to Luxembourg in March and will secure a third-placed finish with a victory.
But asked what change he has seen in Ireland since winning at Aviva Stadium eight months ago, Holtz pinpointed a return to old ways.
"In the last matches they played more with the style that they played for the last 100 years, it was more British style, this fighting spirit, more long balls, more contacts.
"The last decision (making) was better finishing, in the last month. Sometimes football is strange, sometimes you can be lucky, you can shoot from 20 metres and sometimes have a situation where you score, I think Ireland is in good shape.
And quizzed on whether a direct style suits Ireland more, Holtz said: “Of course, you get better results.
“It's in the culture of Ireland, that fighting spirit, real contests, high intensity.
“All of the players play in the Premier League or Championship so they are used to playing high-intensity matches.”
But those comments were put to Kenny this evening and the Ireland boss was clearly biting his lip with his response.
"I don’t really have any reaction," he said. "Anyone can say anything. I have no reaction to that. It’s certainly not accurate.
"Anyone can make their own judgements, but I have no reason to comment on that."
Meanwhile, Andrew Omobamidele is winning his fitness battle ahead of the game and could feature if he passes a fitness test at training tonight.
The Norwich City defender missed Thursday's draw with Portugal because of the Achilles injury he shipped in last weekend's win over Brentford.
Kenny said: "We are confident he will be fit, I think. We’ll see how he goes."
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