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7th September 2024
10:07am BST
England interim-boss Lee Carsley has opened up about the highs and lows of his Republic of Ireland career ahead of today's Nations League clash in Dublin.
The former Everton and Derby County midfielder qualified for the Republic of Ireland national team through his grandmother, who is from Dunmanway, County Cork.
Lee Carsley recalls an "up and down" playing career with Ireland, a coaching career where he feels "highly supported" - and a "very informal" chat with the FAI on the then vacant Irish post #IRLENG #COYBIG #rtesoccer #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/eMNJ3BSLm7
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 6, 2024
He made his international debut at U21 level in 1996 and went on to wear the green and white of Ireland for 12 years.
When asked by reporters during yesterday's pre-match press conference whether he had any fond memories of representing Ireland during his playing days, the 50-year-old coach replied: "Highlights? I can remember a few lowlights.
"My debut, probably, playing against Romania at Lansdowne with Andy Townsend, Ray Houghton, Tony Cascarino and Niall Quinn; good memories, playing on what was then a rugby pitch that was waterlogged.
"The wind was blowing," he added. "We were playing against a fantastic Romanian team, the pitch was horrendous.
"But I just remember (Gheorghe) Hagi, it was almost like he had flip-flops on, he was so smooth the way that he played and his left-foot, that was probably the highlight.
"It was a good memory."
Carsley also admitted that he wasn't sure what kind of reception his team will receive when they arrive at the Aviva Stadium ahead of kick-off tomorrow.
"We spoke about the atmosphere," he told the media.
"We expect it to be exciting, passionate and loud. But it will be no different to what the players are used to in Premier League games or high-level games, so I think they will be ready for whatever comes out."
As for his own reception, the ex-Brentford boss added: "I’m not sure, to be honest. Probably the same. But if the reception that we had off the kids outside was anything to go by, it will be very positive.
"We’ve had a brilliant reception from a lot of kids that were waiting outside with the football shirts, and the lads went straight over when they got off the coach to go and greet them.
"So you could tell that there’s a good atmosphere in terms of the anticipation for the game and we are really looking forward to it."
