A lifelong ambition fulfilled for Jayson Molumby, however, it was to be a disappointing debut for the Waterford native as Ireland were beaten 1-0 by Finland at the Aviva Stadium.
The young Brighton midfelder, who spent last season on loan at Millwall, was named in Stephen Kenny's side for Sunday’s UEFA Nations League clash in Dublin, starting in the middle of the park alongside Harry Arter and Robbie Brady.
Wanting to do well for his country and his team during the game, coupled with the disappointment of the being on the losing side meant that for Molumby the fact that he has now represented his country on the senior stage has yet to sink in.
The behind closed doors nature of the game also meant that Molumby’s family could not be present to witness the significant day in his footballing career, however, he did admit that he was extremely proud to play for his country.
"It was a huge moment for me," said Molumby after the match.
"I tried not to think too much about it but it will probably sink in over the next few days. It’s an unbelievable feeling, it’s something I have worked hard for all my life, and I’m really proud."
Very disappointed with tonight's result but So grateful and happy to make my debut for my country means everything every young boys dream. ☘️🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/LuohxuAAmU
— Jayson Molumby (@jay_molumby15) September 6, 2020
Reflecting on the game, Molumby felt that Ireland controlled the game but just failed to take the chances that presented themselves, although he admitted that match fitness may have proved the difference between the two sides.
"I thought we controlled the game but we didn’t take our chances," said Molumby, speaking to RTÉ Sport after the game.
"Once we did move the ball we started to control the tempo of things and controlled the game for large parts.
"They had a period in the second half where they were on top for around 20 or 25 minutes, but I think fitness kicked in and I think we were just lacking that in the end.
"They took their chances and were probably that little bit fitter than us and that showed in the second-half where they had that extra edge on us."
On a personal level, Molumby admitted that he found the game difficult as he knew that his match fitness was lacking as a result of not playing a full match since July.
And he believes that it was the reason that the manager had to make wholesale changes in the engine room of the side, replacing all three central midfielders who played in the 1-1 draw with Bulgaria.
"I think it was forced, the switch in midfield, as you do the most running in midfield, and the majority of lads had only played 45 minutes in five or six weeks.
"I think he just felt that we needed fresh legs.
"A lot of us are probably behind on fitness even though that is probably not an excuse, but it’s more like pre-season for us and a lot of us have not played any games,
"It was difficult, as I’m a bit behind in my match fitness. It’s my first 90 in about six weeks, so it will do me well going into the season. Hopefully, I can build on that and kick on."
Molumby said that the team were extremely motivated ahead of the game despite the pre-season aspect, coupled with adjusting to the new regime, and he said that the manager spoke after the game and just reminded the players that they would need to be patient, especially since they have had less than a week to prepare for the two games and adapt to a new system.
"We were very motivated and when you are representing your country it means a lot.
"It’s just going to take a bit of time with the gaffer and with myself and a few of the younger boys stepping up and then for the senior boys getting used to the gaffer and the way he wants to play.
"I think it is just big changes all round and it’s strange times as well."
'It might take a bit of time and we need to be patient’, was what Kenny said to his side following the game.
"We’ve only been in for five or six days and basically had one day to prepare for this match," added Molumby.
Looking ahead to the Slovakia play-off next month, Molumby said that he has no idea whether he will be part of the manager’s plans, however, he does feel that he needs to be playing first team football and that is something that he hopes to achieve at Brighton in the Premier League in the coming weeks.
"I don’t know [about Slovakia], that’s up to the gaffer. I can only do my part, but I have to get fitter now and I need to be playing club level to be in with a chance.
"I want to go back to Brighton and hopefully I can impress the manager as I need to be playing first team football if I want to play international, so that is my aim."
