Soccer

Republic of Ireland need six points from Scotland and Armenia clashes says Ogbene

Republic of Ireland's Chiedozie Ogbene crosses under pressure from Ukraine's Vitaliy Mykolenko during the UEFA Nations League match at the Aviva Stadium in June
Republic of Ireland's Chiedozie Ogbene crosses under pressure from Ukraine's Vitaliy Mykolenko during the UEFA Nations League match at the Aviva Stadium in June Republic of Ireland's Chiedozie Ogbene crosses under pressure from Ukraine's Vitaliy Mykolenko during the UEFA Nations League match at the Aviva Stadium in June

CHIEDOZE Ogbene is clear about what the Republic of Ireland need from their upcoming Nations League doubleheader against Scotland and Armenia.

Stephen Kenny’s side face the Scots at Hampden Park on Saturday and have home advantage against basement outfit Armenia next Tuesday and only six points will do, says Rotherham United winger Ogbene.

“We want to rectify the Armenia result (1-0 defeat in Yerevan) because it was a frustrating away day and display what we displayed against Scotland in the Aviva so hopefully we get the six points and leave the rest to the footballing gods,” he said.

The footballing gods have shone on Ogbene since the start of this season. He’s been in excellent form for The Millers with four goals from nine game so far – already his best return in England since he left Limerick City for Brentford in 2017.

“Obviously it's a change of position,” he said of his new-found goal-scoring touch.

“I've gone from right wing-back role to a more forward role for the team. That's pretty much it. “Obviously (that’s down to) the belief and the trust the manager has in me as a striker because I'm not a natural-born striker, I've played winger all my life and to leave players like Georgie Kelly and Tom Eaves out to play me up top obviously shows his belief in me.

“I'm learning to be more of a focal point for the team and be that outlet for the team. I'm hoping I'll continue to chip in with goals for the team and keep us up where we want to be.”

Republic fans have seen that goal-scoring touch too of course, most recently with an overhead kick against Belgium at the Aviva in March. He wants to stay up front and knows that, to do so, the goals have to keep coming.

“If I continue to chip in I’m sure it will help the manager make that decision,” he said.

“I'd hope to play that position, I really enjoy it, up higher on the pitch, I think my teammates like me up there - I can be that outlet for them if we are under pressure.

“I enjoy going in behind and running at defenders, running towards goal, that's where I want to be but when you come into international level, no one is guaranteed positions, you have to fight every day of your life to get a position in this team, you see players come and go.

“I enjoy the occasion, I see the kind of players we have here, I learn off them to take it back to my club, I try to work twice as hard to get a jersey, to even be in the squad first of all. I know what it takes but I am quite blessed, the coaches keep feeding information to me, to help me improve my game and that's what I will do.”

Ogbene didn’t feature against Scotland when the Republic of Ireland beat them comprehensively in June with goals from Alan Browne, Troy Parrot and Michael Obafemi. He expects Steve Clarke’s side to be a much tougher nut to crack in Glasgow.

“Well, if we were to lose 3-0, you would expect a reaction,” he said.

“Anyone, to lose a game and not expect a reaction, you need to re-think what industry you're in.

“I'm sure they're going to watch the clips and know our strengths and obviously we have to have other stuff in the locker as well to impose ourselves away from home.”