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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Robert Hynes

Social media reacts to Stephen Kenny's first game as Ireland manager as Boys in Green draw 1-1 in Bulgaria

Republic of Ireland fans have taken to social media to have their say on their country's 1-1 draw against Bulgaria.

Stephen Kenny's first game as senior boss didn't start with the win he wanted, but there were positives to take from it.

His side attacked right from the off and tried to get forward at every attempt in what was a much different approach to what we have become used to from an Ireland team, but it did leave them very open at the back on a number of occasions.

One of those came in the 56th minute when Bozhidar Kraev found himself in space and blasted the ball past Darren Randolph.

Just moments later Aaron Connolly whipped a ball across the box, but nobody could get a foot on the end of it.

Stephen Kenny (©INPHO/Kostadin Andonov)

The Boys in Green had the majority of possession and continued to press forward right until the end, with Shane Duffy's headed effort finding the back of the net in additional time.

A numbers of supporters took positives from the game.

One said: "Not a great result, but very encouraging performance. Well done #StephenKenny and the lads."

Another added: "Stephen Kenny starts with a draw, some positives for sure. Connolly despite missing a few chances looked bright, a draw is better than a loss at least we looked better on the eye."

Someone else tweeted: "Some poor mistakes, some good play and much more to digest for us. Deserved at least the draw. Decent start for Stephen Kenny."

Another commented: "A lot of positives to take from Stephen Kenny’s first game in charge. Moved the ball better than they have in at least a decade (not even an exaggeration), and Idah and Connolly looked lively."

One other supporter posted: "Plenty of talent and potential there. People have to remember Stephen Kenny only had two training sessions with the players before heading out to Bulgaria. Thought especially O’Dowda and Idah did well in spells."

There was a surprise for Sky Sports viewers just moments before kick-off when it was revealed that Mick McCarthy (yes the one that Kenny replaced as Ireland manager) would be on co-commentating duties.

And a number of people pointed out the Yorkshire man's love of crosses.

One person said: "If I hear Mick McCarthy say the word crosses one more time."

Another added: "Mick McCarthy just talking about crosses."

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