Republic of Ireland team can qualify for major tournaments

Former Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Kelly believes that the current team has what it takes to qualify for major tournaments. He asserts that the players need to reach their full potential and regain their confidence. Recently, the team secured their spot in UEFA Nations League B by defeating Bulgaria 4-2 on aggregate. While the win doesn't guarantee future success, Kelly noted improvements in player performances during recent matches. He mentioned a key moment when Josh Cullen set up Matt Doherty for a crucial goal, suggesting that players have more skill than they often show. Kelly expressed disappointment with the team's underachievement in recent years. He believes that with better infrastructure and coaching, they can achieve more. However, he emphasized that the players must also believe in their abilities. Additionally, Kelly discussed upcoming World Cup qualifiers against stronger teams like Portugal. While some may see Portugal as an overwhelming opponent, he thinks that if the Irish team performs well in their earlier matches, they could gain the confidence needed to challenge Portugal. He suggested that having Portugal as a strong competitor might motivate the team. If they win their initial matches, they could head into the Portugal game with confidence and possibly secure an upset. Kelly remains hopeful that the Republic of Ireland can turn their potential into success on the world stage.