Walters hails Irish team spirit

According to Stoke City forward Jonathan Walters, the current Ireland squad will go above and beyond in order to reach their goal in this year’s European Championships. Speaking with Extratime.ie at the launch of Adidas Predator Lethal Zones boots in Carton House recently, Walters spoke about life at Stoke, roaming around the pitch and the Ireland squad for the upcoming Euro’s.

“I think we have a whole team of players who are willing to work for each other and die for each other on the pitch. To have that in a team is quite rare.”

The 28 year old has proven himself in a club side that have firmly cemented their position in the Premier League, and while his sights are on that until the end of the season, he couldn’t help feeling the nerves on the morning of the squad announcement.

“Everyone was probably a bit nervous, apart from the obvious few. It was exciting really. We didn’t have to wait; we spoke in the morning with the manager. It was a very nice call to get. Once that nervousness went, it's anticipation now.

“I can’t wait to get out there. Everyone wants to be involved. Unfortunately a few have to be left out, but it’s still a few weeks yet before the tournament starts and a lot could happen between now and then with everyone, so it’s not set in stone yet.

“I’m feeling good. Everyone is banging on that I’m tired, and I need a rest. I’m doing just as much if not more than I was earlier in the season. Earlier, we were playing three game weeks as well, we were in Europe and it was a busy time. I feel great."

Alongside Peter Crouch, Kenwyne Jones, Ricardo Fuller and Cameron Jerome, competition in Stoke City could not be tougher for the Liverpool born forward. Only second behind Ryan Shawcross in appearances this season however, Walters acknowledges the importance of moving around positions in order to suit the manager.

“When you’re playing you always want to keep your place. The fear of losing it spurs you on in every game. When I play for Stoke, generally I spend most of my time in the midfield area. It’s completely different when I come away with Ireland squad because you generally play with two up front and play against centre halves.

“It’s been a long year but the experience the European tour has brought has been good. The excitement when coming away with Ireland is because it’s new, back to what I used to do more than anything.

“I played all across at the moment, left, right, centre midfield and then up front and in behind so generally during a game I find myself moving around four or five times which I find quite comfortable. I help anyone who is around me.”

Walters certainly remains positive when contemplating the possibility of featuring in Poland/Ukraine. When asked whether he can partner Robbie Keane up front, the answer, for the man who has scored nine goals this season, is simple.

 “Yes. We played together in Estonia and we did well. I think I can play with anyone else as well. Over the years I have played with so many strikers, you adapt to whoever you are playing with. There are a few weeks before the tournament starts, and you have to be ready to do anything.

“I think you have to be hopeful. You have to be ready for that chance if it comes along, you have to take it. Circumstances along the way during Qualifying may have forced the change of the team. Some boys have come in and played, and done well, like Shane (Long) and Simon (Cox), when they have played they have done exceptionally well.

“I thought I have played as well as I could in the games I have been involved in. We have the friendly against Bosnia, and the game in Italy and against Hungary. Everyone will be desperate to play. Not everyone can play; if you aren’t playing you have to be supportive of the lads that are playing because you all have one target of how well you want to do in the tournament. It’s not just about the 11 that are going to be playing, but the players who will be coming off the bench and making an impact.”

Having the experience of playing lower league football has certainly equipped Walters with a set of skills and attitudes which stand to him on the field. You could have all the ability in the world, but unless you have the right work ethic, you will only get so far according to Walters.

“Sometimes you look at young lads coming through the academy, and you think they could be world beaters if only they had the right attitude. I think ability counts, but the top players will have both; they will work the hardest in the teams and have the extra ability as well.

“We are blessed to be where we are as players; I don’t think you can take anything for granted. It’s being down the leagues and seeing the other side of it. I have seen a lot of lads who are going out of the league, a lot of lads having to go and get jobs and retiring at an early age, when that’s all they wanted to do.

With plans in full swing for the Irish squad to meet up in the coming weeks, Walters is relishing the opportunity to meet up with the Irish select once again.

“When you go away with the lads it’s such a tight knit group, it’s a good bond between each other it can only count for something on the pitch.

“I think we have a squad full of lads with the hunger and willingness to do well. A lot of games are won or lost in the last five or ten minutes of the game, and to have that desire to go that last minute makes a difference.”

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