JAYSON MOLUMBY has admitted he still relives the past by watching Ireland’s World Cup play-off against Czechia. But he hopes to have played his part in helping the team plan for the future. Molumby is still haunted by Ireland’s loss on penalties in Prague, with Czechia going on to win another shootout, against Denmark, to book their place in the finals. Whilst a lot of people look to Ryan Manning conceding a penalty when Ireland were 2-0 up, there is another big moment etched in
the Waterford man’s head. He said: “I still watch the game back on Hudl. Just overthink things. That’s just the way I am with all my games. Every now and again I’ll watch it back and the Hungary game. “I had a chance, hit the post, if that goes in we are 3-1 up. It’s just moments like that. “I’ve had it throughout my career, you lose concentration for a split second and don’t even know why you done it. It’s a reaction. “You can’t
even comprehend why you’ve done it. It could’ve happened to anyone. Ryan is a great lad and he always does his best.” But, despite that disappointment, the West Brom man can point to the team’s evolution along the way. He explained: “I think we know who we are now. We had to figure out what we were as a team, what suited us, but I feel like it is all clear to see the route we are going down.” “It involves a back three and
wing-backs and Molumby said: “It takes a little getting used to, keeping your shape. “You have to focus on that where previously you’d be running around here, there and everywhere. There is more discipline in the team now.” And with nine uncapped players – seven of whom made their debuts on Saturday – it was up to more experienced members of the squad such as Molumby to help the others along. He said: “When I came in first, there were lots of role models to
lean on. I came into a squad with Séamus Coleman, Shane Long, Jeff Hendrick and Shane Duffy. “They were great to learn off and I was lucky. It’s about making them feel comfortable so they ease in. Jack Moylan did well by easing in with a hat-trick. “No matter who you play against, it was fantastic to get a hat-trick. “It was good and strange being one of the senior lads. I don’t see myself as too old yet so that’s strange. It’s been refreshing
for new lads to come in and see what it means, get to know them and try to help them wherever we can. “Of course, it will be a tough journey ahead to try to keep their place in the squad and team. That’s a tough ask for all of us.”
Jayson Molumby, Ireland football, Czechia play-off, international football, Republic of Ireland, West Brom, football tactics