Doyle-Hayes gives Kenny the seal of approval

Ballyjamesduff man Jake Doyle-Hayes reckons Irish football fans are in for a treat as Stephen Kenny takes the managerial reins with the Republic of Ireland senior side.

Doyle-Hayes, 21, who is on the books at Aston Villa and currently on loan at Cheltenham Town, was a regular feature in Kenny’s U21 squad in recent seasons and believes the new manager will favour am attractive style of play.

“He’s a very down to earth, a really nice guy,” Doyle-Hayes told The Anglo-Celt. 

“His style of football, I think everyone will enjoy it. He wants his teams to dominate possession, I think he said that in one of his interviews. I think he’s very knowledgeable about the game and he deserves all the opportunities he’s getting. Hopefully he’ll do well, I wish him all the best.

“That U21 squad was very talented. There was a lot of experience in it from the higher leagues and people in or around the first teams and obviously the more players you can get around first teams at that age, it’s going to be very beneficial to the Irish set-up.

“I think the U21s have a really good chance to qualify and hopefully that will happen. I think they’re definitely in a good place, yeah.”

Jake has been making waves at League Two Cheltenham, where the fans have dubbed him ‘Xavi’, and is hoping to secure a contract extension with Villa in the summer.

For now, the season is at a standstill but the midfielder is staying positive.

“To be honest, I’m not fully sure yet [what the immediate future holds]. Obviously nobody saw this coming. For me, I’m just going to keep doing my programme off the pitch, keep myself fit and be ready for the call whenever the season starts back. I’ll try to hit the ground running and hopefully continue the form I was in and obviously impress Villa, that will be the main aim.”

The Robins currently lie fifth in League Two, five points off top with a game in hand, and Doyle-Hayes’ form has been key to their promotion charge.

“The season at Cheltenham has been going really well, not just for me but obviously for the team as well.

“It’s difficult but I suppose now there’s more important things than football, people saying safe is the main thing. Hopefully in the next few weeks we might be able to get back up and running and start the season off again where we finished.

“I’m delighted with how it’s going. The main thing was to get out on loan and get a few games and get experience, try to get a full season under my belt.

“I think it’s gone really well so far anyway, hopefully that will continue for the rest of the season once it starts back.”

For a full interview with Jake Doyle-Hayes, see this week’s print edition.