After a loan switch, a new recruit provides his initial thoughts of Blackburn Rovers.
Andy Moran made two starts for Blackburn Rovers in his first week on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion
Andy Moran is enjoying his time at Blackburn Rovers after joining on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The midfielder joined Jon Dahl Tomasson’s team a fortnight ago and made his debut against Plymouth Argyle in the Championship. Moran, as in all of his games, can play centrally or provide Rovers with a new option out wide.
Moran prefers to play centrally, but he is as at home playing throughout the front line. He’s thrilled with the prospects at Brockhall after being thrust into the middle of the action.
“I’m loving it so far,” Moran told Irish media. “I was only there for a week before I went to the international camp, so time flew by.”
Moran will lead the Republic of Ireland Under-21s against Turkey on Friday night for the first time. Regular skipper Joe Hodge, who plays for Wolves, is injured, giving the 19-year-old the opportunity to take the armband.
Back at the Senior Training Centre, the guys were put through their paces as preparations for the home game against Middlesbrough in just over a week begin.
Andrew Moran and Zak Gilsenan, both attacking midfielders, will be aiming to play for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s this evening.
Following their trip to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, both players traveled to Ireland and are expected to play in a friendly versus Turkey Under-21s later today.
The match against Levent Surme’s visitors will take place in Cork, with Turner’s Cross Stadium serving as the venue.
Gilsenan is set to earn his first cap, while Moran has previously won five Under-21 caps for his country.
Moran stated ahead of the game that he is looking forward to traveling to Cork for the match.
“It’s great to meet more fans from all over the country and play games outside of Dublin,” the attacking midfielder told the FAI website.
“I’ve played at Turner’s Cross before for the Under-17s and again in March, and every game here feels special.” We’ll need that help.”
The game begins at 7.30 p.m.
In other news, our three Under-19s representatives all began their respective national teams last night.
Tom Atcheson began for Northern Ireland Under-19s in a 3-2 loss against Italy Under-19s, while Tom Bloxham and Junior Nsangou both appeared in 1-1 draws. In Bosnia, Bloxham and the Republic of Ireland Under-19s drew, while Nsangou won.
