Albion midfielder Jayson Molumby made his full senior debut for the Republic of Ireland on Sunday but admitted that defeat to Finland took some of the gloss off a memorable personal milestone.
The 21-year-old lined up alongside Albion team-mate Aaron Connolly and Shane Duffy, who joined Celtic on loan last week, in Dublin where Ireland went down 1-0 in their second Nations League group tie, having drawn 1-1 in Bulgaria last Thursday when Duffy scored a late equaliser.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Molumby said: “Taking my emotions out of it, the team is just a bit gutted to be honest because we felt we probably controlled the game for large parts and maybe then just weren't clinical enough. We had some decent chances so we're gutted really.
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
“But it was a huge moment for me. There were a few nerves and it was a bit surreal because I worked hard for it and it's been my dream to play for Ireland. I told my family and friends on Saturday that I was going to be playing and it was a huge moment for them. They would definitely loved to have been here and supporting me, but equally they were supporting me as much from home.”
Connolly's fourth Ireland cap was also his first in a home international. It is the fifth time that three or more Albion players have appeared in the same Republic team. Between 1980-82 Mark Lawrenson, Gerry Ryan, Michael Robinson and Tony Grealish were regulars in the Ireland squad.
England’s group rivals Denmark and Belgium met in Copenhagen on Saturday when Leandro Trossard came on for the last ten minutes to help Belgium win 2-0 and make his full debut. The Red Devils are next in action on Tuesday against Iceland in Brussels.
Proud to make my debut for the @BelRedDevils! 🖤💛❤️ pic.twitter.com/FiAAq68WJc
— Leandro Trossard (@LTrossard) September 5, 2020
Meanwhile, England’s under-21s have travelled to Austria for their second game in the European Championship qualifiers on Tuesday.
Albion defender Tariq Lamptey was an unused sub in Pristina on Friday when England beat Kosovo 6-0 after getting his first call-up into the squad.
Defender Joel Veltman played the 90 minutes for Holland in their 1-0 win over Poland. The Dutch are back in Amsterdam on Monday night when they take on Italy.