Jamie Mullins: I would trade U21 player of year award for Euro qualification

Ireland need to overcome a 1-0 deficit against Finland at Turner’s Cross following their first leg loss in horrendous conditions in Tampere on Friday.

EURO DREAM: Jamie Mullins with his Men's U21 International Player of the Year award. Pic: Ireland Football.

Jamie Mullins found out last Tuesday that he had been named the Republic of Ireland Men’s U21 International player of the year but this Tuesday he has a much bigger prize on his mind.

Mullins and his Ireland teammates are in Cork as they look to make Irish football history by becoming the first group of players to qualify for the U21 European Championship.

But in order to do so, they will need to overcome a 1-0 deficit against Finland at Turner’s Cross following their first leg loss in horrendous conditions in Tampere on Friday.

“It's nice to win it,” began Mullins.

“I think it's been a good campaign for me, so it's nice to top off with a nice little trophy. Everyone's said the same, they'd trade anything just to qualify for the summer.

“So, it's nice to win it, but at the end of the day the real goal, what it's always been, is to qualify.

“I think it would be probably the most special feeling since I started playing football. I don't think anything would be able to come close.

“Especially doing it with a group of players who I've played with since I'm eight or nine years old, and the fact it's never been done before, a chance at being a part of that history, I think would be quite special.”

Given he turned 22 back in September, this will be Mullins’ last chance to help Ireland finally reach a major tournament at U21 level. Similarly with a number of his teammates, whom he admits he shares a special bond with.

That bond meant there was absolutely no hint of jealously as he collected his individual award during this camp, although there was no congratulatory speech from the Wycombe Wanderers midfielder either. Perhaps that could still come yet should they complete their ultimate goal on Leeside.

“No (speech) thank god, not yet anyway,” he laughs.

“I think they’re all happy (for me) to be fair. I don’t think we’re that type of group. Obviously, a few of the other boys would’ve liked to have won it as well but that’s just natural. I think most of the group were all happy enough.

“The last international break we knew it could be our last time playing under-21s with each other, so every game was nearly a play-off game for us.

Jamie Mullins during the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-off first leg match between Finland and the Republic of Ireland. Pic: Gerry Scully/Sportsfile

“We had to win every game, and it's going to be the same on Tuesday. We have a chance at doing something really special and we have a really special group of players and staff that we all enjoy being around each other and we all want to do it, so hopefully we'll have a good night.

“We were with each other until we were all 16, and then different boys moved to English clubs. And then we've been able to rekindle that relationship with international football and through all the age groups.

“It's a really special feeling, growing up with people, sharing different experiences and wearing the Ireland shirt together and creating their moments with each other. It's hard to explain, to be honest, but it's a really nice feeling looking around the dressing room and seeing boys you've grown up with. It's quite special.

“I don't think you should ever take playing for your country for granted at any level, so you've got to make the most of it when you're put on the jersey. I think that's everybody's mindset going into Tuesday.”