Brady admits pressure is building but positives are there for the Boys in Green

At 28 years of age, Robbie Brady is one of the more senior players in the Republic of Ireland squad as Stephen Kenny looks to bring new talent into his team ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers.

Brady has had to bide his time to get back to fitness and while the recent results haven’t gone Ireland’s way, the Burnley player is taking the positives from Stephen Kenny’s fresh ideas and the chances that the Boys in Green are creating – despite the fact that the team are waiting on the first win of the Kenny ear.

“It has been really positive since he has come in,” said Brady speaking about the new managerial era on the post-match media zoom call from Cardiff after Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Wales. 

“He has put his ideas across to us and the lads have bought into them. It has been good. We have been creating chances The goals haven’t come yet but when we score a few it is a different scenario. I’m sure there will be good times ahead.”

Ireland are six games without a goal – going back to the 1-1 draw away to Bulgaria at the start of the campaign. A similar result on Wednesday at home in the return fixture will at least keep Ireland in League B of the UEFA Nations League.

“It is difficult when you have a few bad results and people start talking and pressure builds. It is just one of those things and we need to deal with it. Please God we get a win Wednesday and we can push on from there.

“We have been unlucky at times but maybe we can be more clinical. We will stick at it. It is enjoyable the way we are playing and we are creating a lot more than chances than we had before.

“It has been difficult of late. The goals haven’t been going in but there are still positives throughout the Nations League games. It is a massive game on Wednesday. We will be going out to win the game and score a couple goals and be a bit happier than we are tonight.”

The Boys in Green had created the clearer opportunities in the first half and maybe felt unlucky to trail when David Brooks scored for Wales on 66 minutes.

“I felt like we were in a good position at half time. We had a lot of the ball and I don’t think they had many chances. In the end when they score and we don’t manage to get a goal, it is a tough one to take. 



“They caught us a couple of time on the break after they scored but that is what happens when you are chasing the game. We aren’t getting the luck with goals at the minute but I’m sure they will come.”

“I feel like I’ve been here a long time now. I’m one of the longest serving players in this squad. I feel like I have a big role to play. If I can help some of the younger lads and get them playing where we are going forward winning games.” 

    About Macdara Ferris

    Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile