IRISH EYES WILL be on Brighton’s play-off semi-final against Derby tonight, with five Irishmen all likely to start at the Amex.
In contrast to Derby — who have sat comfortably in the play-off places since December — Brighton only clinched the final spot with a last-minute 1-2 victory over Nottingham Forest last Saturday.
Stephen Ward netted the Seagulls’ equaliser at the City Ground and, alongside Keith Andrews, the Brighton loanee is hoping to fire the club into the Premier League for the very first time.
“We enjoyed the win over the weekend, but it has taken a back step now with the upcoming games against Derby,” Ward told TheScore.ie.
“We’ve been preparing for the last few days and with the play-off games coming around so quickly, we’ve had to be ready for them as soon as possible. We’re all looking forward to it, but it’s going to be really tough. Derby have had a fantastic season and they’ll have been very disappointed that they didn’t finish in the top two to go up automatically.
“They were very close and have been strong all year, so we know how tough it’s going to be. But, with the play-offs, it’s about whoever turns up on the day and we just have to hope that we can have a better day than them over the two legs. We’ve had a successful season so far and it’d be nice if we can finish it at Wembley.”
Ward made the short-term move to Brighton last August, with Wolves’ manager, Kenny Jackett, also deciding to loan out other high earners like Roger Johnson and Kevin Doyle.
Having previously played, for the most part, under English and Irish managers, Ward jumped at the chance to become part of Óscar García’s revolution on the south coast.
García, a disciple of Johan Cruyff, has built on Gus Poyet’s valiant foundations and brought a tiki-taka playing style to the Amex.
“It’s a club I knew had a certain philosophy about the way football should be played. It was a no-brainer to come here and get involved. The stadium is fantastic: the crowds [23,894] they get every week are absolutely outstanding for the Championship. The club has also just built a new training ground, so it’s a fantastic set-up and one fit for the Premier League. Hopefully, we can do it this year and, if not, the club will do it in the coming years. It’s very similar to my first year at Wolves, in 2009, and the squad is quite similar in quality.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with the manager. He’s a very calming influence, both on the training field and during games. Whether we win, lose or draw, he rarely changes his manner. He’s always content and doesn’t get too carried away if we win or have a few tough results. It’s enabled us to have an easygoing calmness around the squad this season and that’s definitely helped, especially for high-pressure games. It’s been really good and I believe that’s been one of the main reasons why we’ve done so well this season.
“His style of football is different to how I’ve played before, but I’ve really enjoyed it. He encourages us to keep the ball and, with the importance of possession, it’s a philosophy that’s coming more and more into the game. Playing in a team that’s comfortable with the ball is great, especially for a full-back like myself. When you get the ball, you have three or four options.”
Regardless of what happens in the coming week, Ward has not yet thought about his long-term future - with a year still left to run on his contract with newly-promoted Wolves.
But, while the play-offs are Ward’s focus, the 28-year-old cannot help but look forward to Ireland’s games against Turkey, Italy, Costa Rica, and Portugal this summer.
“The new management team have been a real breath of fresh air. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Ask any of the players: since the first time they came in, there’s been a real buzz about the place. Training’s been great and there’s a really good feeling around the squad. Ahead of games, the players really want to do well and get back into the international fold.
“I don’t think they could’ve picked two better names to take over after [Giovanni] Trapattoni had such a successful time. Once everyone knew who was coming in, and what big names they are in football, I think everyone has been looking ahead to the summer and the Euro qualifiers with real enthusiasm. It’s going to bring back a lot of people to the Aviva and, hopefully, we can have a real successful time under them. ”
