Republic of Ireland midfielder Jayson Molumby has admitted he was “angry” and “gutted” after being left out of the last international squad — but says that frustration has only deepened his desire to prove himself and help lift the team out of what he calls a period of “underachievement.”

Speaking ahead of Ireland’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Armenia and Portugal, the 26-year-old Waterford native was candid about his emotions after being omitted from Heimir Hallgrímsson’s September squad, having featured in five of the new manager’s first six selections.

“You feel a lot of emotions — angry, disappointed, gutted,” Molumby said. “It’s tough not being called up for your country. But I’m just happy to be back now and ready to go again.”

Molumby revealed that he wasn’t given a specific reason for being left out — something that only added to his frustration.

“No, I didn’t really get a reason,” he said. “I’m sure the focus was on the lads who were picked. But as a player, you’ve got to back yourself — if you don’t, you’ll struggle. I believe I should be here.”

Having started every game for West Bromwich Albion in the Championship this season, Molumby believes his form and consistency warrant inclusion. But he also feels his technical ability is often underrated, with his high-energy, combative style sometimes overshadowing the rest of his game.

“I don’t think I get enough credit for my technical ability,” he explained. “People might think I’m just a lad who runs around kicking people, but that’s not the case. I can handle the ball, I can play — I’m definitely good enough to play at this level.”

Since breaking into the senior squad in 2020, Molumby has become a reliable figure in midfield, known for his intensity and work rate. But he admits that Ireland’s lack of results during his time in the side continues to gnaw at him.

“It’s hard because I’ve started a lot of games for Ireland and we haven’t won many,” he said. “I take that personally. I haven’t achieved much — I haven’t played at a big tournament, haven’t won a big away fixture. That drives me. I want to put that right.”

Ireland face a daunting task against Portugal, but Molumby insists he’s embracing the challenge.

“You’re going from the Championship to playing against the best players in the world. It’s a big jump, but I’ll give everything — that’s the minimum,” he said. “Sometimes it’s hard to regulate your emotions because you care so much about playing for Ireland. But that passion is what drives me.”

Molumby also agrees with recent calls for Ireland to rediscover their edge — a quality he feels he embodies naturally.

“I think I can be tough to play against,” he said. “I’m aggressive, yeah, but I’m not ill-disciplined. I’ve had two red cards in over 200 games — that’s part of playing on the edge. I just want to bring energy, aggression and everything I have.”

Now back in the fold, the midfielder says his anger has turned to motivation.

“I was angry, yeah,” Molumby admitted. “But that anger’s driving me now. I just want to do my best, help Ireland, and prove myself again.”