Despite the disappointment of not making the World Cup, this month’s Ireland camp still offers something for fans to get excited about.
With a friendly against Grenada in Murcia, Spain, Heimir Hallgrimsson has the chance to give new players an opportunity in the green jersey, with one eye on the future and a potential home European Championships in 2028.
One of the players that fans are keen to get a call-up is Lincoln City man Jack Moylan.
Jack Moylan. Pic: Chris Vaughan/Getty Images
Moylan has scored 11 goals this season from attacking midfield as The Imps won promotion to the Championship in over 60 years. He’s in red-hot form heading into this training camp, and the former Shelbourne star isn’t hiding his excitement about playing for the Boys in Green.
Speaking on BBC Radio Lincolnshire, Moylan admitted straight away he’d love to play for Ireland, before admitting that he was even a season ticket holder at the Aviva Stadium and went to every game he could.
‘I won’t hide away from it. It’s my dream to play for my country.
Jack Moylan scores. Pic: Chris Vaughan/Getty Images
‘I’ve been a season ticket holder from the age of eight, I used to go to every game with my dad.’
It looks like it won’t be long until the Dubliner gets a chance to play for his beloved National team, as Hallgrimsson went over to Lincoln to watch him play in person, something Moylan was happy to find out.
‘I heard he was here, it’s great, fair play to him for coming over and watching matches.
Pic: Chris Vaughan/Getty Images
‘Obviously, we had such a disappointment with the country [in the World Cup play-offs], but I think the country’s on the right path. So yeah, who knows what will happen next year.’
Lincoln were able to celebrate their promotion and the squad of players were even jokingly chanting about playing against Tottenham Hotspur next season in the Championship.
‘What a day, what a season, what a year,’ said Moylan. ‘It’s just been unforgettable. It’s the best season of my life. I can believe it. I don’t think today is luck, the season’s not luck.’
Sonny Bradley of Lincoln City lifts the League One championship trophy with his team. Pic: Harriet Massey/Getty Images
Moylan added: ‘I’ve said it many times in the past, this club, when I came three years ago now, everything was run properly and you knew off the pitch everything was set up for something like this to happen.
‘We’ve got an unbelievable staff and an unbelievable bunch of players. It’s not luck.
‘Sometimes we pinch ourselves, but this is what you sacrifice your whole life for, coming over here, lads giving up everything.’