- Josh Cullen believes it is important for Republic of Ireland U21s to focus on themselves against Kosovo on Saturday
- The match will be Kosovo's first competitive one at U21 level
- The 20-year-old also said it was an honour to be nominated for FAI U21 International Player of the Year
Josh Cullen believes it is important for Republic of Ireland U21s to focus on their own performance as they face European new boys Kosovo on Saturday.
The match takes place at the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin (1pm kick-off) and kickstarts the Boys in Green’s 2019 UEFA European Championships qualifying campaign.
It also signals Kosovo’s first ever competitive fixture, since being allowed to play against FIFA members as of 2013.
Cullen, currently on loan at Sky Bet League One side Bradford City, admits their opponents are somewhat of an unknown quantity, but thinks the home side have enough quality to pick up the three points.
“We’ve had a chat with the staff about them [Kosovo] and I think this is only their fourth match,” he said. “They’ve only played three friendlies before so they haven’t played much as a team.
I’m confident if we go into the game playing to our full potential and giving 100% that we can get the win.
Josh Cullen
“It’s very hard to gauge how they’re going to play but we just have to focus on ourselves. I’m confident if we go into the game playing to our full potential and giving 100% that we can get the win.
“It’s the only qualifier this season so that makes it even more important to get off to a good start. If we don’t win, we’ll have a long time to wait until September for our next qualifier.”
As well as being selected yet again for Noel King’s U21 side, Cullen was also nominated for the Football Association of Ireland U21 International Player of the year award.
He missed out on winning the award to Bristol City’s Callum O’Dowda, but the 20-year-old was still immensely proud of his nomination and he hopes to follow in O’Dowda’s footsteps.
“It was a privilege to be nominated for the award. It’s been my first campaign at U21 level and I’ve been one of the more younger players at this age group,” Cullen continued.
“Obviously it was a proud moment for my family as well. Callum was a worthy winner because he’s had a great year, being called up to the senior side. That’s obviously my long-term goal and hopefully I can follow in his footsteps.
“It was a great night to be a part of. Lots of the senior squad were there and I saw Darren [Randolph] who I haven’t seen for a while. It was a good occasion.”