Albion midfielder Jayson Molumby is determined to repay the faith shown in him by Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny after receiving his first senior call-up.
The 21-year-old, who hails from Cappoquin in County Waterford, was one of three Albion players included by Kenny in the squad for next month’s Nations League fixtures against Bulgaria in Sofia and Finland in Dublin.
Kenny knows what Molumby can offer from his time as manager of Ireland’s under-21 team, describing Molumby’s all-action style as ‘chaotic.’
“I don’t really know what that means!,” said Molumby. “But I just try and give it everything on the pitch and leave nothing out there.
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“I know Stephen really well from his time with the under-21s. He put a lot of trust in me and when he got the senior job I was hoping I might get the call and I can’t wait to get started now.”
Molumby is back doing pre-season with the Seagulls after spending a productive 2019-20 on loan with Millwall, who came up just short in the play-off battle. Molumby played nearly 40 games for the Lions and says the experience has been hugely beneficial to his development.
“The biggest thing was getting game time,” he said. “We finished the season well in a really strong league and I was playing in front of crowds every week which also helped my development.
“But it’s good to be back at Brighton and seeing familiar faces again and hopefully I can impress the manager in pre-season.”
The presence of Connolly and Duffy when Ireland meet up will help him to settle in. “Aaron is a good mate,” said Molumby. “Normally I look after him but I think it will be the other way round this time!”