Molumby “gutted and devastated” after late loss in Portugal

Cappoquin’s Jayson Molumby may have been both “angry and disappointed” not to be part of the Republic of Ireland men’s squad for the earlier World Cup qualifiers, but the Waterford man produced a fine performance for his country in last Saturday’s narrow loss to Portugal.

The West Brom Albion midfielder produced a top display in the midfield in Lisbon, but the brave Irish effort was undone in second-half injury-time when Rúben Neves headed home the only goal after Caoimhin Kelliher had earlier saved a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty.

Whilst Molumby was “gutted and devastated” with the result in the Portuguese capital, he is now hoping that Ireland can build on that performance when they face Armenia this evening (Tuesday), at the Aviva Stadium.

Speaking after the narrow loss in Portugal, Molumby said: “I think we deserved at least a point there. We don’t manage the game for one moment where we get a throw-in in their half and we take it quick, or we’re not quite set up and then they go on the counter.

“To be fair to the back line, it’s probably the first cross where… I haven’t seen it back… but someone’s got a nick on it, or someone’s went and passed a header or whatever but it’s gutting, gutting. I think we got back to an Irish performance. It’s the minimum to run, fight, work hard, give everything.”

Molumby added: “We lacked that in the last few games or whatever, it’s just the bare minimum. On another day I think we deserved a point at least but obviously we didn’t get it. You can take comfort, yeah, but it’s the minimum. It’s just about the bare minimum; you’re playing for Ireland. I’m obviously really proud to play for Ireland and it’s been tough.

HOPING TO ACHIEVE

“We need to be the exact same (against Armenia), with and without the ball, maybe a bit better on the ball, but out of possession, you can’t go away from the basics of football and that’s running, fighting hard.

“It doesn’t matter who you’re playing, you can’t slack off whatsoever, so we need to raise it again even on Tuesday against Armenia. We need to answer on Tuesday and go and beat Armenia.

“I don’t really care how I play; I just want to play for Ireland and achieve something with Ireland. I don’t care if I play well or play bad, I want to be involved and try and achieve something with my country.”