Andrew Omobamidele focused on Ireland despite club concerns

Andrew Omobamidele is concentrating on the job at hand with the Republic of Ireland after his club Nottingham Forest was deducted four Premier League points for financial irregularities last Monday.

The two-time European champions dropped to 18th place, inside the relegation zone, as a result of the decision by an independent commission to punish what it said was a breach of the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PRS).

“It’s tough yeah,” said the defender, “especially getting news when we’re not together as a team. To be honest, I haven’t had much time to think about it, a big game at the weekend. I’m here with the boys … so I’m fully focused on this weekend.” 

Signed from Norwich City on transfer deadline day last September, the Kildare man’s time at the City Ground has been anything but dull with Steve Cooper replaced as manager by Nuno Espirito Santo just before Christmas.

Brought in for a reported sum of almost €13m, and with AC Milan said to be among the other clubs showing interest, Omobamidele still hadn’t featured for Forest by the time Cooper cleared out his desk.

His debut only came the following month when he scored a goal in the club’s 3-2 FA Cup win away to Blackpool. Cooper had praised the Irishman’s work ethic and patience just days before leaving and the player himself echoes that now.

“It’s football,” he said before tomorrow’s friendly against Belgium. 

“I wanted to challenge myself. I know it’s not a case where you’re going to move teams and be first-choice straight away. You move teams and you have to earn your spot.

“I know that first-hand. Everything I’ve had up until now I’ve had to graft for it, and I know how that is. I enjoy it, to be honest. It was challenging, the first five-six months,