In-form Scott Hogan admits Ukraine game caught him out

Scott Hogan admitted that he struggled with the physical challenge of starting Ireland's last match in June when Stephen Kenny’s side played out a 1-1 draw with Ukraine.

The end-of-season fixture, which took place in the Polish city of Lodz as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, was Ireland’s fourth match in ten days in the UEFA Nations League.

Coming off the back of an impressive 3-0 victory against Scotland in Dublin, Kenny’s striking options were limited as player of the match Michael Obafemi was ruled out through injury, having scored a wondergoal for Ireland’s third, while Chiedozie Ogbene was not deemed fit enough to start the game.

As a result, Kenny turned to Birmingham City striker, Hogan, to lead the line, playing alongside Troy Parrott, and while Ireland took the lead in the 31st minute through a fine individual solo effort by Nathan Collins, they were pegged back just after half-time when Artem Dovbyk equalised.

Hogan worked tirelessly throughout, playing a thankless running role at the top of the formation, and while he perhaps ran out of legs in the 56th minute, replaced by fellow forward Callum Robinson, Ireland held on for a well-earned point.

"Ukraine were a good side, so I felt that I struggled physically," said Hogan ahead of Saturday's game with Scotland, responding to a question in relation to the manager commenting that he wasn’t at the right physical level last season. "It was quite humid, but there’s no excuses.

"I hadn’t been playing regularly and it affected my fitness levels. It’s just a reminder of having to play regular football to be at that level. The gaffer knew that and still put me in. I was just a yard off it which was to be expected."

Kenny believes that Hogan is in much better