Brady: We won’t be going to Georgia for a draw
Robbie Brady insists the Republic of Ireland will not be fazed by the prospect of launching their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign in the white heat of Tbilisi.
Martin O’Neill’s side are assured a hostile welcome when they head for Georgia on Sunday with an already hugely partisan crowd not having forgotten Ireland’s reluctance to play a World Cup qualifier in the same city in September 2008 amid political unrest in the region.
In the event, the fixture took place instead in Mainz, Germany, where the Republic ran out 2-1 winners in then manager Giovanni Trapattoni’s first competitive fixture.
Current incumbent O’Neill would happily settle for the same result this time around, but Brady and his team-mates know that will be easier said than done.
The Hull midfielder said: “I’m looking forward to it. I believe it’s a rough place to go, but I don’t think the lads will be affected by it.
“I think most of them are looking forward to it. Most of them would rather play in front of a crowd like that.
“We won’t be going there for a draw at the weekend. I think it’s one we’ll look to win, hopefully get a few goals and set us up for the group.
“It will be a good game. It’s a long way away, but I’m sure all of the lads are looking forward to it. It’s been a big gap and we’re all raring to go.”
In the meantime, 22-year-old Brady will hope to play his way into contention for a role in O’Neill’s plans for the Georgia game in Wednesday’s friendly against Oman in Dublin.
He is back in the squad after finally shaking off a series of niggling injuries which have limited his involvement under the new manager, and is determined to make the most of his latest opportunity.
Brady said: “It was just numerous things with my hips and groins. When one thing seemed to be getting better, another thing was going. I had a couple of operations and I feel solid now.
“I feel as if everything has cleared up – touch wood. No more problems. I’m just happy to be back and want to put it all behind me now.”
Brady currently has six senior caps to his name, but could line up alongside a man winning his 126th if 38-year-old goalkeeper Shay Given gets the nod after coming out of international retirement.
The winger said: “I know he retired a few years back, but he’s obviously a fantastic goalie – one of the best we have had.
“If Shay feels he is ready to play, I don’t think anyone can tell him any different. He’s still looking good, as we saw in training.
“It’s great and exciting to have him back on the scene – such an experienced head. Someone with so many caps can only bring experience into the squad.”
