Stephen Kenny looking forward to League of Ireland restart

The former Dundalk, Derry City, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers manager is also excited to see four of his former clubs back in European action next month and believes it's 'great news' that players finally have a date to work towards after three months in lockdown.

"It must be very tough for all the managers, coaches, players and supporters," Kenny told Off The Ball Sports this morning.

"I think it's a very tough time. We must remember over 1,700 people died during this crisis.

"You just want to see the players back playing competitive matches. It is the highest standard of football in this country.

"We want a vibrant league," added the Ireland boss who is preparing for the Uefa Nations League double-header against Bulgaria and Finland in September and the all-important Euro 2020 play-off against Slovakia on October 8th.

"Obviously it's a shortened league this year. I'm looking forward to seeing players back on the pitch.

"The four teams (in Europe). Keith Long for example of Bohemians is bringing Bohemians into Europe for the first time in many years.

"Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk," he continued. "Vinny Perth had his first year in Europe last year as manager and will want to build on that.

"Stephen Bradley's first year in Europe last year as manager and he will want to benefit from that experience and go again.

"Declan Devine, (it's the) first year Derry have been in Europe in a couple of years and he will be back going in Europe again.

"And all of the players will be really looking forward to that. Some of the players will have tough times, they would've had their wages cut at some of the clubs and would've been struggling, I'm sure, with the current situation. So for them to get back to normality and playing is great news."