[ad_1]
A lifelong ambition fulfilled for Jayson Molumby, however, it was a disappointing debut for the Waterford native, as Ireland was beaten 1-0 by Finland at Aviva Stadium.
The young Brighton midfelder, who spent last season on loan at Millwall, was included in Stephen Kenny’s squad for Sunday’s UEFA Nations League clash in Dublin, starting in the middle of the park alongside Harry Arter and Robbie Brady.
Wanting to do well for his country and his team during the game, coupled with the disappointment of being on the losing side, meant that for Molumby the fact that he has now represented his country at the absolute stage has yet to be assimilated.
The nature of the game behind closed doors also meant that Molumby’s family could not be present to witness the significant day in his football career, yet he admitted that he was extremely proud to play for his country.
“It was a great moment for me,” Molumby said after the game.
“I tried not to think about it too much, but I’ll probably take it in in the next few days. It’s an incredible feeling, it’s something I’ve worked hard for my whole life and I’m really proud.”
Reflecting on the game, Molumby felt that Ireland controlled the game but simply did not take advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves, although he admitted that the aptitude of the match may have shown the difference between the two sides.
“I thought we controlled the game, but we didn’t take our chances,” Molumby said, speaking to RTÉ Sport after the game.
“Once we got the ball moving, we started to control the pace of things and we controlled the game in large parts.
“They had a period in the second half where they were at the top for about 20 or 25 minutes, but I think the fitness started and I think we were missing that at the end.
“They took a chance and were probably a little bit fitter than us, and that showed in the second half that they had that extra advantage over us.”
On a personal level, Molumby admitted that he found the game difficult as he knew his physical condition was poor as a result of not playing a full match since July.
And he believes that was the reason why the manager had to make wholesale changes to the team’s engine room, replacing the three central midfielders who played in the 1-1 draw with Bulgaria.
“I think it was forced, the change in midfield, as you do more running in midfield, and most of the guys had only played 45 minutes in five or six weeks.
“I think he just felt like we needed fresh legs.
“A lot of us are probably behind in fitness, although that’s probably not an excuse, but it’s more like preseason for us and a lot of us haven’t played any games.”
“It was tough as I’m a little behind in my fitness for the game. It’s my first 90 in about six weeks so I’m going to do well going into the season. Hopefully I can build on that and move on.”
Molumby said the team was extremely motivated before the game despite the preseason aspect, coupled with adjusting to the new regimen, and said the coach spoke after the game and only reminded the players that they would have to be patient. especially since they’ve had less than a week to prepare for the two games and adjust to a new system.
“We were very motivated and when you represent your country it means a lot.
“It will just take a little time with the coach and myself and some of the younger guys, and then for the older guys to get used to the coach and the way he wants to play.
“I think these are big changes in all aspects and they are also strange times.”
“It may take a little time and we have to be patient,” was what Kenny told his team after the game.
“We’ve only been around for five or six days and we basically had one day to prepare for this match,” Molumby added.
Looking ahead to Slovakia’s play-off next month, Molumby said he has no idea if it will be part of the coach’s plans, yet he feels he needs to play first-team football and that’s something he hopes to achieve. achieve at Brighton in the Premier League in the coming weeks.
“I do not know [about Slovakia], that depends on the gaffer. I can only do my part, but I have to get in shape now and I have to play at club level to have a chance.
“I want to go back to Brighton and I hope I can impress the coach as I need to play in the first team if I want to play internationally so that’s my goal.”
[ad_2]