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Alan Judge: I feel like when the gaffer used me I contributed

Alan Judge was sprung off the bench in both of the Republic of Ireland's important recent Europea...
Thom Malone
Thom Malone

12.12 12 Nov 2019


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Alan Judge: I feel like when t...

Alan Judge: I feel like when the gaffer used me I contributed

Thom Malone
Thom Malone

12.12 12 Nov 2019


Share this article


Alan Judge was sprung off the bench in both of the Republic of Ireland's important recent European qualifiers against Denmark and Switzerland.

Speaking ahead of Thursday's game against New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium, the Ipswich midfielder was attempting to keep the focus on the first of the two internationals.

"Looking forward to it (game against New Zealand). Hopefully, add another cap. It gives everyone a chance to impress. You never know, you might change the gaffer's mind for Monday.

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"We don't know what the team is going to be for Thursday yet so I think we'll see how Thursday goes and then we'll get a feel over the next few days after that game.

"Monday is a big game but I still think the NZ game is first so you have to treat it like a proper game, which it is. I think everybody is gearing up for Thursday and we'll switch to Denmark after it.

Familiar

Thursday's opponents New Zealand many be a shade rusty having not played since March 2018. Judge says he is familiar with one member of the Kiwi team, at least.

"I don't really know much about them, I just know Tommy Smith who was Ipswich. I was speaking to him. He was back training at the club.

Judge feels he has some unfinished business with the European Championships having missed out through injury four years ago.

"Obviously, what happened to me last time, I missed out on the Euros. To be this close now, it would be great to get there.

"If I play, if Robbie (Brady - alongside) plays, I don't mind. to be honest I just want to get there."

Mood

The mood at his club Ipswich is currently a confident one with the team top of the League One table. Judge says it's the same in the Ireland camp.

"It's great, all the lads are laughing and joking. I think the most important thing is we like being around each other.

"It shows with the way we play and the way we are around each other.

"Every time we meet up, it's good to be here."

Judge is happy to be playing, having started in the win over Bulgaria and coming off the bench in the 1-1 draw with the Swiss at home.

The Ipswich midfielder thinks he has something to offer the group.

"Yeah he has turned to me a few times, I think it was Switzerland and Denmark. Yeah it's good to be involved, every player feels like they can contribute.

"I feel like when the gaffer used me I contributed."


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Denmark Euro 2020 Euro 2020 Qualifiers Euro Championships Qualifiers Republic Of Ireland

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