Kenny completes first 90 minutes of season - February 1, 2001
Republic of Ireland defender Kenny Cunningham completed his first 90 minutes of the season last night as he came through Wimbledon's reserve game with Nottingham Forest.
Kenny, who underwent a routine groin operation in the summer, was not expecting to be so long on the sidelines but his injury kept on niggling so he was not risked.
He finally made his comeback at the weekend when he came on in extra time in Wimbledon's 1-0 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Notts County and last night was another step towards winning his first-team place back with Wimbledon and then Ireland.
Kenny will have strong competition on both fronts but he accepts this. The right-back position at Wimbledon has been filled by four different players this season and Kenny feels none of them has done anything wrong when used there.
He said: "Peter (Hawkins) is a talented young player who might have thought that he would have got his chance before now and Darren (Holloway) is a shrewd signing who can play anywhere along the back.
"It's been difficult for Terry with injuries forcing him to chop and change his defence, but competition for places is what it is all about and we're all wanting to hold down the first-team place.
The other Wimbledon players who will be challenging for his place are Neal Ardley and Trond Anderson but a fully-fit Cunningham should easily win the day.
Winning back his international place is another story. Since he was sidelined, Gary Breen and Richard Dunne have created an exceptional partnership.
Everybody is waiting for Breen to return to his old dithering self but until then Mick McCarthy will steer away from change.
Kenny has earned most of his international caps at centre back but he could be utilised at his club position of right-back in the upcoming Denmark match.
With Gary Kelly and Stephen Carr sidelined this might be the best way to force his way back into McCarthy's thoughts.