Derby County defender Richard Keogh believes the Republic of Ireland are 'creating something special' and is excited to return to action when they take on Denmark in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Ireland are looking to build on their perfect start to the qualification campaign after 1-0 victories over Gibraltar and Georgia in March when they take on Denmark, who drew their only match so far against Switzerland, on Friday in Copenhagen.
Having linked up with the squad later following the Rams’ Play-Off Final defeat to Aston Villa at Wembley, the centre-back said he could feel the positive energy around the squad under new manager Mick McCarthy.
He is also hoping that having kept his match fitness for longer with an extended season with Derby, it will prove to be an advantage for the upcoming international fixtures.
“If you ask any player, if you are in the rhythm of playing games and training still it definitely helps and gives you an advantage,” Keogh explained at Ireland's pre-match press conference.
“The guys before we came in have been working very hard and had a good camp so far. Naturally it is a little bit easier to get to the level we want to get up to because we have been training hard and played in a big game.”
He added: “There is a great buzz around the group. It has been good to come back in and see the guys because we are creating, hopefully, something special now. I think that is key for us a country to have that commitment and togetherness because that is when we come alive, that’s when we produce magical stuff.
“It has been good, I think the manager is pleased. With me Conor Hourihane and Glenn Whelan coming in, we can feel the good atmosphere and with us not finishing long ago I think we came in and helped pick the group up again.”
Ireland and Denmark are well acquainted, having played each other four times in the past two years, twice in the World Cup qualifiers towards the end of 2017 and twice in the Nations League last year.
Three of those meeting have resulted in goalless draws while the second leg of the World Cup qualifiers ended in a 5-1 victory to Denmark.
While Denmark’s side has remained relatively unchanged under Age Hareide, Ireland have a tweaked playing style under McCarthy, who became manager last November ahead of the victories that took Ireland to the top of Group D.
Keogh believes their familiarity with their next opponents and Ireland’s more attacking approach will stand them in good stead on Friday.
“Having played them so regularly over the past few years, we know each other quite well,” the 32-year-old said.
“When we were looking at their team, theirs hasn’t changes a lot whereas our has quite a bit with the new manager coming in and a different style of play and trying to get after games a bit more. It is a great challenge, this is what it is about.
“You want to play for your country, it is a great honour and when you play against these big countries and big players and we want to qualify for a major tournament. We have got to make sure we keep doing the right things and come back with a positive result.”
Earlier in the week, McCarthy commended Keogh’s positive energy and leadership that he brings to the squad and his influence on the younger players.
It is a trait that both the Ireland national team and Derby know well, with Keogh leader of both teams.
He said: “I have naturally gone more into that role in this group. I think it is just my character, I have always tried to get the best out of myself, every day in training I leave it all out there and I just try to lead by example in that sense.
“When you have been a captain and you have been around a lot of players and in a lot of games, you get a feeling for certain players who respond well to different things.
“I have tried to get around to a few guys and I just want everyone to play at the best level because if we are all playing at our best level we have a better opportunity to win games.”
