Stephen Kenny is not comforted by the hope that Leeds striker Patrick Bamford will change his mind and declare himself for the Republic of Ireland.
The 27-year-old, who scored 17 Premier League goals last season, has been promoted by Eland Road, his first top-flight return campaign, replacing the England squad for the Euro 2020 final before being replaced by Gareth Southgate.
Bamford were selected by Ireland at the U18 level and had been approached before, but in the midst of the suggestions, fitness coach Damien Doyle – who had worked with the player at the MK Dons – might be able to pull him out. Green jersey, Kenny seems to have moved on.
He said: “He was very close to being contested by England for the European Championship. It is untrue to suggest that I feel it now.
“I think his goal is to go to the European Championship with England.
“There is no doubt that he is a very good player, a quality center, but we have to believe in our abilities. We must work to improve it and to improve ourselves.
“It is unusual for players to change their nationality – I am not saying it will never happen – after a situation that excludes them from a tournament. Not many cases. This is usually for a long period of time. “
Golden Shoe winner Harry Kane was the only player to score more Premier League goals than Bamford last season, but asked if the disappointment of not being selected despite this achievement could lead to a change of direction. ‘Comment, Kenny said, “I don’t really know Don, I don’t really know.
“He’s a good player, but his goal was to play for England, so I have to respect that. “
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Bamford believes Leeds teammate Calvin Phillips has offered England something special after making the Euro 2020 squad.
Kenny will deploy weapons in a friendly match against Andorra, live Sky Sports Premier League At 4:55 p.m.
While he is still waiting for the first victory of his administration in charge of 11 matches, midfielder Conor Horihan wants to change a narrative, forcing him and his teammates to do the same.
Hurrihein said: “I hope a victory comes soon. It’s less stressful, and people do not always point to you.
“From that point of view we blame ourselves because we should have won the games so far, but that was not the case. “
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