Jason McAteer says the Irish players who are getting ready for Euro 2016 shouldn't concern themselves with trying to avoid injury in these final weeks before the tournament.
Jason was chatting to Newstalk's Team 33 at today's #PowerofGreen at Aviva Stadium and as part of that interview recalled the effect of the knock he received in the build up to World Cup 1994 in a friendly against Cameroon.
"I think the biggest problem you can have is to try and protect yourself. I think you've got to go out and play and not even think about getting injured," he said.
"You've got to be 100% committed in everything that you do because I think if you're half-hearted about something, then you will get injured.
"So if you ask me to give any advice to any of the lads who are preparing to go to France in the summer, I'd just say do what you're doing week in, week out, whether you're going for a title, whether you're going for a cup, or midtable. You've got to go out and play your 90 minutes as if it's the first game of the season."
We'll play that full interview as part of our Euro 2016 coverage on Team 33, as well as chats with Ray Houghton, former physio Mick Byrne and ex-kitman Charlie O'Leary.
Irish football legends Jason McAteer and Ray Houghton were in Dublin today to share their #PowerOfGreen moments from their days in the green jersey. Joining them were former kit man for the Boys in Green, Charlie O'Leary and former Irish team physio, Mick Byrne.
They were speaking at the launch of SSE Airtricity's summer football campaign at Aviva Stadium. All customers who switch to SSE Airtricity will now receive the new official Ireland football jersey free, as well as 15% off their home energy.
The legends and special guests spoke about the power of the green jersey and the pride it evokes. They shared their favourite memories of wearing it, from McAteer's famous strike against Holland in '01, to Houghton putting the ball in the English net in '88 and breaking Italian hearts in '92.
With SSE AirtricityÕs Ireland jersey top offer, new memories will be made in 2016 that will last a lifetime. Fans can get theirs free by switching to SSE Airtricity today. For more information on how to switch, please visitwww.sseairtricity.com
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