The Republic of Ireland played out a dreary 0-0 draw with North Macedonia
Ireland performed admirably – all things considered! That was the post-match assessment from Jayson Molumby, five days after the deflating penalty shootout defeat in Prague.
The prize Ireland had coveted so desperately, a World Cup qualifier against Denmark in Dublin, had been exchanged for a friendly against North Macedonia.
The final scoreline of 0-0, however, masked the reality that Ireland had dominated much of the contest and warranted a victory, and for the second fixture in five days, the woodwork had denied the side a winning goal.
READ MORE: Ireland player ratings v North Macedonia as sides play out scoreless drawREAD MORE: When are Ireland playing next after World Cup qualifying heartache?
The West Brom midfielder, earning his 34th cap on the night, commented: “It was definitely really hard to get going. It’s just a rollercoaster, isn’t it? You prepare for 4 or 5 months for one game and full focus on that game to then come up short.”
Republic of Ireland vs North Macedonia
North Macedonia’s Enis Bardhi and Ireland’s Jayson Molumby(Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)
“And to know that you’ve got a friendly coming up a couple of days later is really tough but we had to get on with it and try and do our best and unfortunately we didn’t get a win tonight.
“It just didn’t happen. I think we probably started a bit slow and I was probably getting the cobwebs off from the other day I suppose and I think we grew into the game and we probably definitely done enough I’d say to win the game but like yeah it just didn’t drop today.”
Playing in a fixture of that nature is never straightforward, but that does nothing to diminish the honor of pulling on the green jersey and representing your nation. “No, it’s definitely not easy. If anything, I think we all find it a bit harder. I think the atmosphere probably wasn’t as good as it would have been if we had a final at home.
“But as a player you just want to play in the big tournaments and you want to play for your country. I just want to go out and do my best.
“Like I said, every time I play for Ireland it means an awful lot to me and my family. The biggest achievement for me is to represent my country and no matter how many times you play you still get the feeling and still like the pinnacle for me is playing for Ireland.
“You feed off that and you feed off the energy with the crowd as well to lift your own game. So it was tough definitely, but still the fans that made the turn out tonight, unbelievable and I appreciate them very much coming and supporting us.”
Molumby openly acknowledges the aftermath of Prague has been challenging to process.
” Yeah, really, really bad. I think it’s there for everyone to see. Obviously we got a 2-0 lead and just couldn’t get over the line.
“Really gutted with how the game went in Prague. It’s really tough to get over I think. Just devastated really how we sort of let it slip.
“Gutted for all the lads, the staff in there, but also the fans and stuff, you know, that made the travel or couldn’t travel, they’ve been amazing the last couple of months supporting us and I’m just gutted we couldn’t bring a final home from a qualifying final home for them.” It was unfortunate Ireland couldn’t find a goal that would have swung the outcome in their favor.
“Yeah, feelings are a bit mixed really. I think it was just a little bit flat at times. I think that’s really tough to try and not be so flat. “
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A positive outcome would have been a fitting send-off for Seamus Coleman – if this turns out to be his final appearance!
“Yeah, I have no idea,” Molumby acknowledged regarding Coleman’s intentions. “Seamus, his situation is that but I don’t think my words need, I don’t think I need to share my words to hype up Seamus Coleman.
“I think he’s an incredible role model for all of us coming into the squad. He’s just an absolute gentleman, an example of a top professional, top player. I’m very lucky to have shared many games with him for Ireland. He’s someone I respect and look up to a lot.”
Nevertheless, one chapter ends and another begins – three chapters, in fact, as Bosun Lawal, Harvey Vale and James Abankwah earned their Ireland debuts.
“Yeah, really pleased for them lads, they’ve come in and they’ve done really well, it’s obviously probably not an easy camp to come in and make your debut, especially when there’s such massive games, especially in Prague.
“But they’ve all shown that they’re really good and really good players for the future as well, so hopefully we can see a lot more of them.”
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