IT’S BEEN A whirlwind few weeks for Waterford youngster Jayson Molumby.
He was handed his senior debut for Brighton and Hove Albion towards the end of August, and he’s been impressing Chris Hughton in the first team’s midfield.
The 18-year-old has now been named Republic of Ireland U19 captain, as they prepare to host the UEFA European Championship Qualifying Round with Azerbaijan, Cyprus and Serbia this week.
And wearing the captain’s armband while representing his country is going to be made even more special — the three qualifiers will all take place in Waterford Regional Sports Centre (RSC).
The Cappoquin native is taking it all in his stride however, modest as could be as his recent achievements in this, a real breakthrough year are put to him.
“It’s been unbelievable hard work,” he told FAI TV. “Just working every day trying to improve and I’m glad to see the results at the end of it.”
A key figure in last season’s Elite Round, his side were unlucky not to make it through but stepping up from the U17s, he’ll be hoping this campaign is one to remember.
First up for Tom Mohan’s outfit is Azerbaijan tomorrow, before they take on Cyprus and Serbia on 7 and 10 October respectively.
A place at next summer’s finals in Finland is at stake, and Ireland need to perform to their optimum in each of the three fixtures if they are to get there.
“It’s difficult with the U19s as only one team goes through in the Elite Phase to the finals, so you need to really graft to get through,” Molumby continues. “Physically, the ball moves quicker and everything is a step up.
“Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Serbia — when you look at all of them they all have fight in them and they are all passionate about their country.
“They are going to come up with a point to prove and they have nothing to lose, so we have to be ready.”
Home advantage can be considered a boost to some extent for Ireland, and donning the green jersey in his home county is something the Brighton prodigy is relishing.
“I’ll have an army, I’d say,” he smiles. “It’s only about a 35-40 minute drive from my hometown so I’m presuming a lot of them will turn up in force.
“It will be unbelievable. For the 17s we had a few friendlies against Switzerland, I think. I know what it was like. There was a lot of support for myself and Lee (O’Connor), so hoping for the same.
“Hopefully we can get a few wins and go through.”
UEFA Under-19 Championship 2018 Qualifying Round Group 7
- Republic of Ireland v Azerbaijan, Wednesday 4 Octoper, KO 3pm, RSC
- Republic of Ireland v Cyprus, Saturday 7 Octoper, KO 7pm, RSC
- Republic of Ireland v Serbia, Tuesday 10 October, KO 1pm, RSC
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