Alan Browne: ‘Critics will have ruled us out but as nation we always thrive off being an underdog’

Since the beginning of the Stephen Kenny era, the lack of goals and poor results – on the pitch and in COVID-19 tests – have given ammunition to the critics but Alan Browne believes that their underdog status in a “tough group” can help the Boys in Green to qualify for the World Cup

“On paper people will probably rule us out if we are being realistic given our recent results,” said Browne speaking to the media via Zoom on Sunday afternoon from the Republic of Ireland’s Manchester training base. 

“We haven’t been doing well enough. I’m sure critics will have ruled us out but as a team and as a nation we always thrive off being an underdog.

"Stephen Kenny has been really unfortunate with his players – injury, suspension or predominantly COVID in camp - be that getting it or being a close contact. It has really affected the squad.” 

Four loses, four draws (including a penalty shoot-out EURO2020 playoff elimination) and just one goal (and that was scored in Kenny's first game) are what Ireland have to show for themselves from Kenny’s start to his international managerial career but the Boys in Green need to put thoughts of those results behind them as the Qatar campaign begins.  

“It took some time to go through that transition with the new manager and getting used to the style of play. It hasn’t come together as well as we would have hoped. 

“As a player you are affected by results, lack of goals and if you are conceding goals. All these things play on your mind and you want to fix them and we are the only ones who can do that. It is up to us to find a solution and we need to do it fast.”

It is a condensed six month World Cup qualifying campaign beginning with the trip to Serbia this week before a home qualifier against Luxembourg. extratime.com asked the player how crucial the start is to this campaign. 

“It is crucial,” said the 25-year-old midfielder. “I think if you get off to a good start it breeds confidence in the camp and gives you a platform to build on. If you come up short, you are always chasing. We want to try and get as many points as we can in the next few games and see where that takes us.”

The ultimate destination they want to reach is Qatar and the 2022 World Cup. The Boys in Green haven’t made it to a World Cup since 2002. “It has been a long time since this country has taken part in a World Cup. As a footballer growing up that is the dream and the big stage you want to get to. 

“We have a chance to put things right and try and qualify for one and give people at home a bit of hope and something to cheer about in these tough times," said the former Cork City youth player.

"We want to live up to the history of teams who have gone before us – getting through to the big stage.”

Browne was speaking just a few hours after his manager at Preston North End Alex Neil departed the club after nearly four years in charge at Deepdale. 

“I was pretty gutted,” said Browne about the news.

“He has been fantastic for me and my career and for a lot of Ireland lads at Preston. Ultimately as players we have let him down. I’m here in the camp and I need to put all my focus on that.”

Pico Lopes looking forward to Cameroon test https://t.co/bLd9MtMk1gpic.twitter.com/SAdZcrdZPT

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) March 21, 2021