Ireland's Callum O'Dowda claims he is raring to go ahead of the Euro 2024 doubleheader against Greece and Gibraltar this month.
The Cardiff City winger missed Ireland's 1-0 defeat to France in March but had a starring role in Ireland's 3-2 win over Latvia in the previous game.
O'Dowda was deployed as a wingback in the victory but was unable to play in the France game due to his groin injury. The 28-year-old is now back in the Ireland fold ahead of crucial games this coming week and next. O'Dowda is part of Ireland's training camp in Antalya, Turkey, in preparation for the fixture in Athens.
Despite missing the France game, the Irish player is keen to make up for lost time and wants to repay the faith Stephen Kenny has shown in him.
"It was very frustrating for me to miss the France game, and I've been unlucky for the last few years, even professionally," said O'Dowda to the media on Tuesday. "It was a groin twinge I had a couple of days before we played France. It was one of those where I felt I'd be able to play the following game, and I did actually start against Swansea when I came back."
(Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)"I trained once before that league game after Ireland, and I ended up having to come off. I feel good now. I think I've used this summer to keep ticking over. I had a few rests, so I feel in good shape."
"Even when I was unfit, the manager was on the phone checking up on me a lot, if I did miss a camp. I've always tried to pay back the faith."
Ireland plays Greece this weekend, and O'Dowda is not taking anything for granted ahead of the game in Athens. A win for Ireland is vital if they want to keep pace with the likes of France and the Netherlands. The Dutch were well beaten by the French in the opening game, but they are one of the favorites to advance from the group.
Ireland has to beat the likes of Greece and Gibraltar if they have any hope of qualifying for Euro 2024 next year. "
They're a very good team; we can't overlook that," O'Dowda said when asked about Greece. "We'll definitely be giving our all for the win."
"Greece, in terms of ranking and looking at the group, we're probably similar. We do speak about a historic victory. It's what we want. You want to look back on your career and remember the moments of victory, so we can't regret this. We need to give it everything."
Republic of Ireland Squad - Greece & Gibraltar:
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth)
Defenders: Matt Doherty (Atlético Madrid), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Nathan Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough), Liam Scales (Celtic)
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Jeff Hendrick (Reading), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jason Knight (Derby County), Jamie McGrath (Wigan Athletic), Jack Taylor (Peterborough United)
Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Michael Obafemi (Burnley), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Mikey Johnston (Vitória de Guimarães, on loan from Celtic)
UEFA EURO 2024 - Fixtures:
16/06 - Greece v Ireland, OPAP Arena, 7.45pm (21.45pm local time)
19/06 - Ireland v Gibraltar, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
