“He doesn’t look like he’s playing for Rotherham United.”
Mick McCarthy praised Chiedozie Ogbene following the Republic of Ireland’s 2-2 draw with Belgium 2-2 on Saturday evening.
The Rotherham United winger scored a stunning overhead kick and provided an assist for Alan Browne’s 85th-minute equaliser.
Former Ireland manager McCarthy noted that it is difficult to believe that Ogbene is currently playing League One Rotherham given the quality of his international displays.
Mick McCarthy praises Chiedozie Ogbene’s Belgian display.
“I’m not trying to upset any Rotherham fans but I’m going to, he doesn’t look like he’s playing for Rotherham United,” McCarthy said on Sky Sports about the 24-year-old.
“He’s come in here and is playing against Belgium, he’s backed into them, he’s held it up, he’s run in behind them.”
Ogebene has now scored three goals in six appearances for the Boys in Green.
Stephen Kenny praises Ogbene’s performance.
Current Ireland manager Stephen Kenny also praised the former Cork City winger.
Kenny noted that he has opted to use Ogbene in a forward position, rather than as a wing-back, where he plays at club level.
The Ireland coach believes that this has helped the player perform to a higher level.
“I knew Chiedozie would be a real threat and has great attributes,” said Kenny told reporters in his post-match press conference.
“He has had a spectacular start, to score three goals, in two qualifiers and then a big game against the world number one team, especially as his goal ratio at club level is on the low side.
“He has to play a different role at the club, as a wing-back, but we really don’t see him like that.
“We see him as a forward player. Apart from his goal, he just gives us so much at the moment.”
Related links.
- Stephen Kenny: Belgium struggled against Ireland’s ‘relentless pressing’.
- Ireland player ratings as Stephen Kenny’s team draw 2-2 with Belgium in Dublin.
- Roberto Martinez praises Ireland performance in Belgium draw.
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