Republic of Ireland U21s captain Jayson Molumby is not expecting to be called up to Mick McCarthy’s squad ahead of their European qualifying play-off with Slovakia.
The Millwall midfielder was speaking on OTB AM and wasn’t expecting a call-up to the senior squad any time soon.
“There’s always a chance I suppose but I won’t be holding my breath I don’t think. I’m just going to keep doing my best here and see what happens.
“Like I said, I wouldn’t be holding my breath. It’s a big game. I’m not sure,” Molumby said.
The 20-year-old is currently on loan from Brighton and playing for Millwall in the Championship and is happy with how his career is progressing.
“Yeah, I suppose I am [happy with being on-loan]. They’re different pathways. With Troy [Parrott] - Troy’s only 17 so he doesn’t really need to break into the first team right now.
“I’ve seen stuff about him going on loan but he’s only 17 so he’s got loads of time and I think people put unnecessary pressure on him. I think it’s probably the right time for me to get out on loan,” Molumby said.
The U21 captain is happy with getting game time with a senior team, saying that he would prefer playing first-team football in a lower league than playing in an U23 Premier League team.
“Obviously you can get caught up in U23s football at times and if you don’t go out and experience first team you’re doing nothing.
“Yeah, 100%. It’s a completely different ball game compared to U23s games with atmosphere, packed-out stadiums, the pressure.
“Everything about it is just 100 times more intense and it means something. So it’s definitely a big step up,” Molumby commented.
While the Millwall midfielder does not yet have a leading role with his current club, being captain of Stephen Kenny’s squad has developed him greatly as a player.
“I think it’s just the way I’ve always played. That’s my game. To just be vocal and try to lead by actions.
“I probably still have a way to go in terms of nailing it and I could still probably do things better as a captain and try to improve as being skipper of the U21s.
“It’s been unbelievable though and I can’t thank Stephen [Kenny] enough. It was a big shock to me at the time and it’s something that I probably would have wanted secretly.
“I enjoy the challenge of it and the buzz you get when you lead your team out so it’s been unbelievable,” Molumby said.
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