Robbie Brady started again at left-back for Ireland during their scrappy 1-0 victory over Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium on Friday evening.
It was a game that will perhaps be best remembered for people celebrating being able to sink a pint on Good Friday, and indeed it was a more-than-decent Friday for Martin O'Neill's men, who will take a degree of confidence from keeping a well-organised Swiss unit at bay.
Norwich's Brady told freelance journalist Dale O'Donnell that the squad's more settled players are relishing the opportunity to fight for their places with incoming talents, some of whom impressed against the high-pressing Swiss. And Brady admits that so-called fringe players could provide Martin O'Neill with some selection headaches as France approaches.
I think we have 30 odd players coming in during the week and it is competitive,
he said.
The new lads that are in there have enjoyed themselves this week and showed what they can do. It’s up to the manager now to pick a squad and that’s going to be a tough job when they’re performing so well.
It will be hard to take for the lads that do miss out when the time comes around. It is a big picture and we have a lot to play for in the next few years.
Pleased with another clean sheet, Brady was quick to hail Ireland's defensive training on the back of a qualification campaign which saw O'Neill's side concede just eight goals including the playoffs. Defensive solidity, says Brady, will be Ireland's chief concern come June.
In these tournaments half the battle is keeping a clean sheet, and it’s great if you can knick a goal or two.
For the defence our job is a clean sheet and we’ve been able to do that recently, so it’s looking good at the minute.
I felt good today. I think because we sat back we didn’t really go and press them too much with the 1-0 advantage. I feel okay, I’m not too tired but it was a tough enough game. The body feels good so I’m ready to go again [versus Slovakia] on Tuesday.
After Slovakia, of course, it's back to Premier League duty for the former Manchester United winger, and Brady admits it will be a challenge to find the perfect balance between a relegation dogfight with Norwich and representing his country at Euro 2016 only a few weeks later.
It’s difficult to put it at the back of your mind,
Brady says of the Euros.
Obviously I’ve got to concentrate because of the tough job with Norwich to stay up, but you’ve always got one eye on the Euros. And I want to stay fit and play as much as I can.
Ireland take on Slovakia at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night, with kick-off at 7:45pm.
This interview was conducted by freelance journalist Dale O'Donnell, founding editor of Stretty News. Follow Dale on Twitter.
