Robbie Brady is hoping to put his relegation heartache behind him with a strong Irish showing at Euro 2016 in France next month.
Brady’s Norwich dropped out of the Premier League, finishing 19th of 20 teams on 34 points – five points off safety.
The Dubliner was a fixture in the Ireland team that qualified for the Euros and manager Martin O’Neill is likely to use him during the group stage games against Sweden, Belgium and Italy.
Brady knows that it will be tough to progress from a strong pool, but believes that Ireland are capable of making the knock-out stages.
“Some people have us written off and it will be tough, but three or four games is a long time – anything can happen,” he said, speaking to Sky Sports News.
“It’s massive for us and it’s massive for our country to be playing in this tournament, it gives everyone a lift.
“Personally, and speaking on behalf of the whole squad, we’re really excited about it and can’t wait for it.
“Every group over there is tough – teams are there for a reason – and we have excellent teams to play over there. But, like I say, with tournament football and such high stakes, anything can happen.”
Ireland begin their Group E campaign against Sweden on 13 June at the Stade de France in Paris.
Next up are Belgium in Bordeaux five days later and then Italy follow in Lille on 22 June.
It’s expected that Brady will be joined by his Norwich team-mate Wes Hoolahan in O’Neill’s 23-man Euro squad.
