IT WASN’T EASY to leave Manchester United but Robbie Brady knew first-team football had to be his priority. Now with the weight off his shoulders, he says he’s ready to work his way back to the top.
Brady, who is in line to win his fifth cap against Poland tomorrow, made his impressive loan spell at Hull City permanent last month when he inked a three-and-a-half year deal with the promotion contenders.
It begins another chapter in a busy few months for the 21-year-old who made his international debut and only senior appearance for United in quick succession last September before heading back out to the Championship on loan.
Steve Bruce’s Hull are very much in the hunt for automatic promotion, level on points with second-place Leicester City. That chase brings its own expectations but it’s very different from the pressure on a youngster with designs on a place at one of the world’s most famous clubs.
“I think it’s a big weight lifted,” Brady said on Sunday as he collected the 3/FAI U21 Player of the Year Award in Dublin.
You feel as if you have to produce 100% if you want to get any sort of a shot at Manchester United, but at Hull, I’m playing well and the gaffer has faith in me. So if I keep playing well for him I can work my way back to the top.
Over the last two seasons, Brady cut his teeth and made a name for himself since first going out to the KC Stadium on loan in the summer of 2011. Still, he admits, it was tough to walk away away from Old Trafford and his boyhood club.
“I think it was the right time. It’s always difficult leaving — I loved the club, I always will love the club, they’ve done so much for me. But I think it’s the right time, I’m just glad I’m playing football now.
Asked if he would like to go back some day, he’s unequivocal: “Definitely.
That’s everyone’s dream but I think it’s time to get out and start playing now. Obviously, if the opportunity came back around it would be brilliant.
With Aiden McGeady and Anthony Pilkington ruled out through injury, and Damien Duff still retired from international football despite whispers to the contrary, the Irish squad gathered in Dublin this week is a little bit light on wingers.
Though he’s still one of the newer faces in the setup, Brady says he’s ready to shoulder that extra responsibility if given the opportunity tomorrow.
I feel as if I’m ready to make the step up now and I’ve settled in now with the lads. There’s a long line of great wingers in this country, so I’m looking to follow in some of their footsteps.
