Ireland under-21 captain Jayson Molumby named fourth-best player at Toulon Tournament 2019

Republic of Ireland under-21 captain Jayson Molumby was named the fourth best player at the Toulon Tournament after guiding his side to the final four in southern France.

The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder led Stephen Kenny’s side to the last four as the winners of group four with wins over China and Bahrain and a draw with Mexico.

Ireland fell short in the 2-0 semi-final defeat to Brazil and, though Molumby was rested following four taxing games, they again held Mexico before losing on penalties to the Olympics-bound side.

“Jasyon Molumby being named in the top four players in the tournament, being given an award for that, speaks volumes for him,” Kenny told the association’s media team.

“Because he gave so much in the first four games, we didn’t use him [on Saturday]. The players who played all did well.

“It’s about giving players an opportunity as well as trying to win, seeing how they do and how they excel. That’s the nature of it – some excel more than others.

“They’ve shown they’ve nothing to fear in their international careers – they’re equal to the best players, and that will stand us in good stead for the six qualifiers coming up.”

19-year-old Molumby, who was named captain ahead of the opening European Championships qualifying win over Luxembourg in March, has been knocking on the door at club level.

The Waterford native made his debut for Chris Hughton’s senior side in an EFL Cup second round game against Barnet in August of 2017 and appeared again in the next round against Bournemouth.



A 15-month spell on the sidelines with knee injuries restricted him from making any appearances in 2018-19, though he did make the bench for FA Cup and Premier League games.

    About Dave Donnelly

    Drogheda is in Meath. View Full Profile