Republic of Ireland under-21 international Connor Ronan joined Off The Ball to discuss his international career, and his experience at Slovakian side Dunajská Streda.
Ronan is on loan at the side from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and has been on the ground to gauge Slovakian reaction to the Euro 2020 draw against Ireland.
"I spoke to a few of the lads today and I don't think that they are too happy with the draw," said Ronan.
"There are a lot of teams that are in a similar situation that would have been an easier game for them.
"I don't think that they are over-confident going into the game, but obviously the game is over [in Slovakia], so they have got an advantage in that respect. All in all, I think it will be a good game."
As for his personal experience on loan in Slovakia, Ronan believes that his club's style marries well with what is expected from him by Stephen Kenny at under-21 level.
"That has helped me a lot when I have met up with the Ireland squad because we are not meeting up and I'm playing a different style of football than what I'm used to.
"The style with the under-21s is very similar to that which I am playing at club level. It is not a case of adapting to the style; now I am just taking it in my stride and playing the same at club and country level."
As for Kenny's particular impact on his career, Ronan was full of praise for the soon-to-be senior manager, and reflected on how the dynamic at managerial level might benefit younger players.
"Hearing that Stephen was coming in, and knowing that he was going into the senior setup after, it was just a massive boost for the lads.
"When that first squad was announced, you just wanted to be in it so you could be in his eye-line straight away.
"Since then, I think the lads have bought into what he's trying to do and just trying to impress.
"There is that extra little bit of motivation knowing that if you perform well that he is going into that senior setup and there is that chance of him calling you up."
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