Kenny takes the positives despite going five games without a win

Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny is remaining positive as his search for a first win continues.

The Boys in Green were beaten 1-0 away to Finland in the Nations League last night in Helsinki, which means that Kenny has yet to steer his team to a victory in five games.

They've also yet to score a goal under the former Dundalk boss, however Kenny's team has received plaudits for the number of chances they've been creating, and for their new style of play.

Ireland now face a make or break clash with Bulgaria next month to avoid relegation from League B.

Kenny though is remaining upbeat, and says the goals and the wins will come.

"Overall it was probably an evenly balanced game. Matt Doherty had two efforts, one a headed chance, he [the goalkeeper] tipped it over, a shot wide. Aaron Connolly had two great efforts, Enda Stevens hit the bar, and then Ronan Curtis hit the post - and that was only in the last half hour.

"Finland are a good team, very well drilled, very well coached, they have a good spirit in the team, and they had two very good chances in the first half themselves.

"Overall we can consider ourselves unfortunate to lose.

"We've had 8 players missing over the last week over contract tracing, so that's been significant. Listen, there are people that are experiencing far worse than we are. This Coronavirus has killed thousands of people throughout Europe and bigger numbers throughout the world, it's bigger than sport."

Frederik Jensen scored the game’s only goal following an intercepted goal-kick from Darren Randolph, however Kenny is refusing to single out his keeper.

"You can't legislate for a mistake, Darren has been very consistent for us. It's his 47th International tonight, and he's been very consistent.

"It's just one of those things you have to accept - it's a disappointing goal to give away of course.

"It's hard to believe we didn't score with our opportunities, hitting the crossbar and the post, and the saves that were made."