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Ogbene hoping to add Wembley silverware to Ireland goals this weekend

A week on from his spectacular goal against Belgium, Chiedozie Ogbene will run out at Wembley loo...



A week on from his spectacular goal against Belgium, Chiedozie Ogbene will run out at Wembley looking to collect his first medal in English football. 

The Republic of Ireland winger will be part of the Rotherham United team that plays Sutton United in the EFL Trophy final on Sunday.

Ogbene's solitary medal came after he was introduced as a second half substitute in Cork City's FAI Cup final victory over Dundalk in 2016, but he told Rotherham's in-house TV that playing at Wembley would be something very special.

"It doesn't matter what final you play in, to get to a final it's a sign of hard work," said Ogbene, "and it's a sign of how much you've sacrificed to get there.

"There's some big teams that haven't made the final, and we've made it. We've had answers for all the challenges that we've faced throughout the journey to get to the final.

"For me personally, I've never played in Wembley before and it'd be a place I do want to play. It's a great stadium.

"And it's credit to ourselves for getting this far. I know how much work the coaches and players have put in to get to this final, and to be where we are in the league.

"You don't get to these positions by being mediocre, so I think the boys have really worked hard and I'm hoping they can get a reward for that."

Ogbene is used slightly differently by Rotherham boss Paul Warne, who tends to deploy the Corkman as a wing-back rather than a forward.

Reflecting on his striking exploits at the Aviva over the past seven days, Ogbene admitted there was an element of 'hit and hope' to his strike against Belgium.

"It was just a rush of blood really," he said, "It was in the heat of the moment where the ball landed to me and I was in the box. I don't think there was anyone around to set it to, so I just done what came in my head straight away really.

"I said before, I actually didn't see the goal I just heard the stadium roar, so I had a feeling that something must've happened. I looked back and the boys are celebrating.

"It was a good moment for me. I was just more proud because I was able to do that in front of my family - especially at home as well at the Aviva.

"To score in any game is something that I love to do, and never take for granted."

While Ogbene is looking forward to making a first appearance at Wembley, Georgie Kelly could make his Rotherham debut under the famous arch.

The striker has only made the bench for one Millers game - away to Wimbledon in February - since his move from Bohemians.

But manager Warne hopes Kelly can play some part in Sunday's final.

"Freddie [Ladapo] and Georgie did their last days of rehab today and passed with flying colours, so they will be able to train with us on Friday.

“They all have a chance to feature on Sunday. I didn’t think Freddie was going to be available for six weeks, so to have him back in three to four is great news.

“Hopefully Georgie can come back well and towards the end of the season, we can give him some game time."

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Chiedozie Ogbene Georgie Kelly Ireland Republic Of Ireland Rotherham Rotherham United