Jayson Molumby is relishing the prospect of racing past a hostile crowd in Scotland after the “horrible” experience of taking his first steps as a senior international behind closed doors.
The 23-year-old will be hoping to play a role at Hampden Park on Saturday when the Republic of Ireland travel to Glasgow aiming to complete a Nations League double against their neighbors.
West Brom midfielder Molumby was thrust into the heart of Stephen Kenny’s squad when the new manager promoted his former Under-21 skipper to the senior ranks against Finland in the same competition a year ago two years in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said: “When I first arrived to play for Ireland against Finland there were no fans at the Aviva. Ever since I was a kid the goal was to play just for your You had a vision of a jam-packed Aviva, and I ended up playing 10, 11 games without fans.
“It was horrible. It was a really strange experience. Personally, I didn’t feel like I played for my country without fans. It was so strange.
Molumby’s 13th of 14 caps to date, however, came in front of a raucous crowd at the Aviva Stadium as Ireland cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Scots in June thanks to goals from Alan Browne, Troy Parrott and, spectacular way. fashion, Michael Obafemi.
He said: “That day at the Aviva against Scotland, the atmosphere was something I had never experienced before. I don’t think they’ll be able to match that atmosphere in Hampden, to be fair.
This match marked Molumby’s return to the Irish starting line-up after missing the opening B1 League defeats to Armenia and Ukraine, and he retained his place for the 1-1 draw with the Ukrainians in the Polish city of Lodz three days later. .
This summer brought a change of club as he completed his six-year spell at Brighton to join the Baggies, where he spent last season on loan, and he believes regular club football has helped him mature as an international player.
Molumby said: “I came in early and to be honest maybe some of my performances at the start weren’t up to par. I didn’t often play in a club.
“Now I feel like I’m playing at club level week after week, I feel confident, I feel ready and I’m maturing.”
Life at the Hawthorns has been difficult so far this season – Steve Bruce’s men currently sit 21st in the Sky Bet Championship table without a win in five games – although Molumby is convinced they deserved better.
He said: “The table speaks for itself and we’re in a business where we have to win games and move up the ranks, but if you’ve watched all 10 games there’s no way we’re where we are. we are.
“That’s how it is, that’s football.”
