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Matt Is Not Disappointed Over RoI Skipper Role
By STB Staff
September 5 2002
Matt Holland is not disappointed after Kenny Cunningham was announced as the new RoI skipper. Matt Holland was thought of as one of the candidates after former Captain, Roy Keane but he was sent home from the World Cup after a bust-up with manager Mick McCarthy.
Steve Staunton captained a strong Republic Of Ireland side through the World Cup but the veteran has retired and decided to call it a day.

Matt Holland spoke about the decision of appointing Kenny Cunningham as the captain,

"Kenny's a great guy and deserves to be captain.

"To be honest I didn't expect to be in the frame so I can't be disappointed."

31 year old Cunningham leads out the Irish team on Saturday in their Euro 2004 qualifer with Russia.

He said,

"It's a fantastic honour although I have captained my country on a couple of occasions in the past.

"Now there is a real determination to get out of the blocks as quickly as possible in Moscow for this European Championship campaign. There's real determination in the squad.

"There are plenty of leaders in the side – guys like Gary Breen, Mark Kinsella and Matt Holland. Now we will be judged on our performances as individuals and as a team."

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