Stephen Kenny: Republic of Ireland boss 'has no control' over future

The Republic of Ireland's hopes of directly qualifying for Euro 2024 were ended by a defeat at home by Greece in October

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny says his full focus is on the final Euro 2024 qualifier in the Netherlands and not on his future.

The Republic of Ireland are second from bottom in Group B with their only two wins coming against minnows Gibraltar.

Kenny has been under pressure after a disappointing campaign and his contract expires after a friendly with New Zealand on 21 November.

"What happens next I have no control over," Kenny said.

Pressure has been building on Kenny as any hopes of reaching the Euro 2024 finals were all but ended in October's defeat by Greece.

There is still a slim chance of qualification through the play-offs, but the Irish are a distant fourth in Group B, six points off Greece and the Netherlands, who the Republic play in Amsterdam on 18 November, and a full 12 points off unbeaten leaders France.

Speaking about his future at Thursday's squad announcement, which included the return of Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and Excelsior Rotterdam striker Troy Parrott to the squad, Kenny said: "I'm not making a plea."

He added: "Listen, my contract is up after the New Zealand game. I've been very privileged to manage Ireland, you can see the squad now and the way it is, all of those players who have come through, some of them are in the Premier League.

"I think one of the things is their international experience has really enhanced their club careers and opportunities to get club moves.

"Several of the players are blooded in the international team early and it has really enhanced their ability to get the moves that they have when people see them performing at an international level, that's encouraged them and you can go right through the team with that.

"We're just focused on having a good week, training, making sure we're ready for Holland and then the last game against New Zealand, that's it."