O'Dowda: Additional preparation standing to Ireland

Callum O'Dowda has been savouring the opportunity to have additional time in Republic of Ireland camp ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifying double-header, which begins on Friday against Greece.

Stephen Kenny’s side have spent additional weeks together following the conclusion of the Premier League season.

Players in the Football League were joined by some League of Ireland stars for a camp in Bristol, which was followed by another training camp in Turkey ahead of the fixture in Athens.

It’s a far cry from a window where three matches can be crammed into just over a week with little time for planning for the next game.

O’Dowda, speaking to RTÉ Sport in Antalya, feels it has been beneficial.

He said: "Our preparation has been very good whether it be from the four days in Bristol and then Turkey. A lot of people will be saying we've been out here for ages but things start with preparation.

"That's whether it's getting to know the lads better but from a football point of view we can work on different systems, details of everything from set plays to being in or out of possession and that's in every part of the pitch. There's also been studying how Greece play.

"It’s quite hard coming into camps after your game on a Saturday and arriving on a Sunday. You're not able to get on the pitch until Monday or Tuesday because of fatigue or whatever. It has been really refreshing to come out here and have time and it does feel like a club preparation.

"The down time also has been good, being around the hotel and just spending time as a group, that you don't really get to do in Dublin. It's strange but good."

The game is pivotal for keeping Ireland in contention in the group with heavyweights France and Netherlands.

Victory for Ireland in Athens and