Robbie Brady ready to kickstart Ireland career after lengthy absence

Robbie Brady is ready to kickstart his international career and is looking to the future with his country ahead of the upcoming games against Scotland and Armenia.

The versatile midfielder has not played a game for the Republic of Ireland in 18 months, since featuring at the start of the ill-fated 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Back in the March 2021 international window, Brady was involved in the opening 3-2 away defeat in Serbia as well as the shocking 1-0 home loss to Luxembourg at the Aviva Stadium.

The Dubliner then started the friendly international away to Qatar – a game that was played in Hungary – before hobbling off injured after 21 minutes of play, having been involved in Ireland's goal early in the game.

Brady’s injury issues continued throughout, as he left Burnley for Bournemouth for a stop-start season in the Championship, before signing for Preston North End during the summer.

But now, following a consistent start to the season at his new club, Brady appears to be getting back to his best, and has been rewarded with a recall for Ireland ahead of the final two games of this year’s UEFA Nations League campaign.

"It's been too long," said Brady, speaking at Monday’s press conference at Abbotstown. "It’s great being back in. You just pick up where you left off, and the lads seem happy to have me back in.

"I'm delighted to be here. Looking forward to a good week hopefully."

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A tough time away from the game, and Brady admitted that it was equally hard to watch the