Stephen Kenny reveals Josh Cullen boost ahead of Nations League opener

“Whoever was working behind the scenes here did their job."

Stephen Kenny revealed the Republic of Ireland received confirmation that Josh Cullen's suspension was overturned and he's now eligible to play against Armenia. The Anderlecht midfielder is eligible to be involved in the opening game of their UEFA Nations League campaign at the Republic Stadium in Yerevan.

Stephen Kenny on Josh Cullen's suspension.

Kenny revealed Cullen is available to play Armenia as UEFA made an administrative misunderstanding by not including him on the list of suspended players. The former Dundalk boss, however, wanted to get the suspension overturned as he felt "it was extremely harsh" on Cullen. “We have Josh Cullen available since (Wednesday) which surprised us really. He’s not suspended," Kenny said last night in Yerevan. “When we got notification a long time ago from FIFA that he was suspended in the next competition, I asked them to challenge that because I thought it was extremely harsh."

Kenny on Cullen becoming available.

Kenny praised the Ireland staff behind the scenes, who managed to capitalize on UEFA's error for the opening Nations League clash. The 26-year-old received two yellow cards over the course of Ireland's World Cup qualifying campaign, the second coming against Luxembourg, which should have ruled Cullen out of the Armenia clash. “Under FIFA rules that was it. But in the notification from UEFA the other day, he wasn’t on it as being suspended so we (queried) that," Kenny added. “Whoever was working behind the scenes here did their job. We had the notification. It is what it is. It wasn’t something I was planning for so you have to adjust.” The Republic of Ireland squad prepares for their opening Nations League match against Armenia on Saturday, with kick-off at 2:00 pm. Related links:

• Ireland v Armenia: TV channel details and team news for Uefa Nations League game.
• Enda Stevens details terrifying experience of Nottingham Forest pitch invasion.
• Jason Knight addresses Premier League speculation ahead of transfer window.

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