THE box-to-box midfielder may be dying out in the modern game – but Jayson Molumby still hopes he can cause a bit of “chaos” in tomorrow night’s Euro 2021 play-off showdown against Slovakia.
Brighton’s Molumby was made captain of Stephen Kenny’s U21 side and the manager stuck with the youngster by handing him his senior debut against Finland in the Nations League last month.
Kenny likes the “chaotic nature” Molomby’s play brings to the Irish midfield and the 21-year-old, who has played right back for his club already this year, is hoping to be retained by Kenny in Bratislava tomorrow night.
“I suppose the box-to-box midfielder is dying out a bit now in modern times,” he said.
“That’s probably the way I would like to see myself going forward, doing a bit of both really. Trying to affect the game a bit more is probably the main thing I need to work on - in terms of goals and assists because that’s priceless from a midfielder. That’s probably the main thing I need to do to take my game to the next level.”
Kenny made sweeping changes to his midfield between the Bulgaria and Finland games. James McCarthy is likely to anchor the midfield with Conor Hourihane expected to nail the left-sided role. And with Robbie Brady and Harry Arter not fully fit, Molumby’s chances of staying in the team are high.
“I suppose the gaffer knows me really well from the U21s,” said the Waterford man, who spoke with pride about stepping up to the senior grade.
“Even when you’re struggling you find a way to get through and it’s how hungry I was with the U21s. It means everything to play for my country and it’s something you couldn’t even dream about when you’re younger, to be honest.
“Stephen has put his trust in me especially playing the last game and obviously getting called up again is massive. I want to have a really good career with Ireland and hopefully go on to play a lot of games.”
Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland squad were given the green light to travel to Bratislava yesterday following one of Stephen Kenny’s backroom team testing positive for Covid19.
A further two staff members have been asked to restrict their movements. All three backroom staff members are asymptomatic.
In a statement released yesterday, the FAI confirmed the positive Covid case.
“COVID-19 protocols have now been executed and contact tracing has resulted in two additional staff members now restricting their movements.
“All three backroom staff members are asymptomatic and are well. The two close contacts have tested negative. All players, management team and other backroom staff members have also tested negative.”
The statement added: “Public Health has been informed and have written to the FAI confirming compliance with public health advice and permission for the squad, coaching staff and the rest of the backroom team to travel to Slovakia this afternoon.
