Paul Fennessy reports from Versailles
WES HOOLAHAN SAYS he will be fit and ready to play if needed against Italy on Wednesday night.
The Irish midfielder came off in the first match against Sweden with a calf complaint, in addition to playing 71 minutes before his substitution against Belgium.
Doubts about the 34-year-old’s ability to start three matches in a short space of time have been expressed, but Hoolahan today played down these concerns.
Asked whether he would be ready to feature against Antonio Conte’s men, the Norwich star replied: “Yeah, I should be. The body feels good and I’m looking forward to playing the Italians on Wednesday.”
Hoolahan scored in Ireland’s opener against Sweden, but was less effective against the Belgians, and the former Shelbourne player admits he found it more difficult to have an impact in the latter game.
“The Sweden game getting the draw was obviously a great occasion, and we’re obviously disappointed with the other day but we’ve got another game to look forward to.
The place was buzzing (after the Sweden game). I got about 100 texts from people congratulating me, saying ‘well done’. It was a great.
“(The Belgium result) brings things back down to reality, but what’s important is we focus on the Italian game and if we get the three points, we have a great chance of getting out of the group.”
Hoolahan also denied that the responsibility of being Ireland’s primary creative outlet was a burden in anyway.
I don’t mind that — my job in the team is to create chances for the lads.
“You’ve got to look for the ball and get on it.”
The Dubliner also suggested the team weren’t focusing too much on what starting XI Italy — who will top the group regardless of the outcome from Wednesday’s games — would play.
“(The Italians will) play the way the Italians do. It’s going to be a tough game.
It all depends what we do really. It doesn’t matter what they do. It’s important that we’re on the front foot, keep the ball better and hopefully create a few chances.”
And finally, has the experienced midfielder given any thought to the possibility of retiring from international football once the tournament ends?
“No, I haven’t thought about it yet. We’re just concentrating on the Wednesday game and we’ll see what happens after that.”
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