Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny spoke of his delight after signing a contract extension to keep him in the job beyond 2024.
Kenny appeared on the Late Late Show on Friday night and spoke about his future in the job, with his recent extension putting an end to protracted speculation over his position.
Kenny will now be staying put until after the end of Euro 2024.
Speaking to Ryan Tubridy, he described the pride attached to the job.
He said: "I'm very proud to be Irish manager, and very privileged.
"It's great that myself and Keith Andrews and all the rest of the staff get an opportunity to carry on the work we've been doing since we were with the U21s.
"We're delighted to get the opportunity."
And Kenny also spoke about the many new faces in the squad, hailing the new recruits as extremely talented and explaining that the blooding of young players had to happen.
He said: "It was necessary. The late Marian Finnucane interviewed me on the radio and said 'Stephen, you see with the Irish rugby team, all the young players coming through the different systems. Where are the Irish footballers? There aren't any.'
"She asked me that question and I said 'you're absolutely right Marian' and it's a question that's not asked enough.
"We've got a great group coming through, the most talented group in many years.
"We've put 15 players in in the last year and certainly there is more on the way.
"15 in one year is a radical shift and we've only had one defeat in the last 10 games with Ronaldo's late goal of course.
"We're getting better, we're improving and we've 20 goals scored in that period."
And Kenny believes the passion for the team is streaming back among football fans, pointing to the record season ticket sales seen this year.
"There's a great connection between the players and the Irish public.
"Our season ticket sales are a record now. We've sold 19,000 season tickets for a year.
"There's a great connection between the Irish public and this group."
When pressed on Euro 2024, Kenny admitted it would be pleasing to see some of the squad's veteran players lead the team in Germany in two years' time.
"It's certainly the ambition.
"Seamus Coleman is a great captain, the vice captains Shane Duffy and John Egan; it would be brilliant for them to lead the team to the Euros in 2024 in Germany."
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
