John O'Shea: We are buzzing for the Euros

As Ireland finished up training today in humid conditions in Abbotstowm, John O’Shea and Robbie Brady chatted to the media about the upcoming Euro 2016 tournament.

Ireland open their campaign with a game against Sweden in Paris on Monday, and O’Shea admits the players are excited for the tournament to get underway.

“We have seen other countries arriving and that’ll be us tomorrow so there’s an exciting time ahead, and it’s been that way since we’ve met up and once we land in France that’s when the real buzz kicks in.

“When you go to these tournaments, each player has their own interest to keep active. As we get closer to the Sweden game it’s just about stepping up the level of concentration, the intensity and quality in training steps up, and these tournaments are why you want to play International football for your country, to get that buzz.”

O’Shea stated that Ireland aren’t just going to France to take part, but to cause some upsets.

“We’re aiming to get out of the group and enjoy the experience, and that’s been our mind-set since day one. The manager has talked about getting through the three games but we want more games, we want that intensity to get out of our group and cause upsets.”

Robbie Brady was in good form following talk of his injury, and he told reporters that he felt great, although he did fear the worst once he felt the injury.

“I feel great. It was just precaution today, we’ve got more than enough days to train before the opening game against Sweden, and I’m ready to go.

“Once I felt it I thought this is the last thing I need but within a few hours I felt back to my normal self, but I had to be careful. I didn’t panic myself but I did think Oh No!”

O’Shea highlighted the importance of the physicality of the Irish team and the danger they can pose in the air from set pieces, stating it’s something Martin O’Neill will work on with the squad.

“The manager will work on that closer to the game so it’s fresh in our minds. It’s something the manager likes to do, but its nit all he’ll work on, it’s something we’ve had some success from by scoring goals and creating chances, but the manager will work on other areas too, but its definitely a good area for us.”

Brady talked about the feeling of nerves when coming into the tournament, and admitted there would be some as the tournament approaches.

“It’s more excitement but come closer to the game, nerves will kick in but it’s something we’re used too and come Monday nothing will be different apart from bigger crowds and bigger atmospheres, but the players are experienced in that respect and I’m sure they’ll be well able to deal with it, but its more exciting than anything.”