Defiant Stephen Kenny says he can handle criticism

Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny says he's well able to handle criticism of him.

The Boys in Green drew 1-1 with Qatar last night, which means the former Dundalk manager is now without a win in his first ELEVEN games in charge.

James McClean had given Ireland an early lead, however the world cup hosts equalised just after the restart through Mohammed Muntari

And while the pressure on Kenny continues to grow, he says he can handle what the critics say.

"I've experienced a lot in my life. I feel really strong.

"To be honest with you it doesn't hurt me - because you know what? I don't care.

"I know what I'm doing, I'm very clear in what I'm doing. I have real clarity in what I'm trying to implement.

"I don't care what anyone says. I'm very clear in what I want to do, and it's irrelevant to me what other people think, to be honest with you.

"There are people coming out of the woodwork wanting to kick us while we're down, and that's very evident."

Ireland have friendlies with Andorra and Hungary as part of a training camp in Spain in June, while the next competitive fixture is against Portugal on the first of September.