CULLEN DISCUSSES 'TESTS AGAINST THE BEST' IN UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE

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Midfielder previews Ireland's summer double-header friendlies

2024-06-04T08:14:26.665Z

CULLEN DISCUSSES 'TESTS AGAINST THE BEST' IN UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE

Midfielder previews Ireland's summer double-header friendlies

2024-06-04T08:14:26.665Z

Midfielder previews Ireland's summer double-header friendlies

Josh Cullen described Ireland's June friendly fixtures with Portugal and Hungary as 'two good tests against some of the best' with both sides they are coming up against preparing for this summers EURO's in Germany.

The Boys in Green host Hungary on Tuesday night in Dublin, before then travelling to Portugal to face the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and co a week later in Aveiro.

Prior to the fixtures, Cullen discussed the challenging opposition he and Clarets teammate Dara O'Shea will face but admits it's 'ideal preparation' for September's UEFA Nations League games.

The 28-year-old said: "It's always an honour to play for your country, to be called up and pull on the green shirt again to represent your family and country.

"We have two really good games in Hungary and Portugal. They're two big tests against some of the best players in the world and two teams that are both going to the Euros this summer.

"It will be two different types of games for us, especially with one at home and one away but they will both want to finish strong before heading into the tournament.

"They're amazing games to play in, going up against great nations and players, so I'm looking forward to it. It will be two good matches for us and ideal preparation for the Nations League in September."

CULLEN DISCUSSES 'TESTS AGAINST THE BEST' IN UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE - Image 1

Despite relegation from the Premier League this season, Cullen says it makes the 'fire burn in the belly' to bounce back.

"Obviously the natural reaction is disappointment at the moment. As a team, the season hasn’t panned out how we’ve wanted it to.

"But now, going into the summer, there’s no time to feel sorry for ourselves. We have to rest up, reflect on how the season's gone, learn the lessons, and take the positives out of the campaign as well, because I think there has been a few of them along the way.

“I think disappointment always sort of makes the fire burn in the belly a little more. I’m determined to bounce back like I said, and come back next season and hopefully try and replicate the success we experienced the season before this one.

"It has been disappointing and will hurt over the summer because we know the Club and the fans deserve more than what we’ve been able to deliver this year. But once that feeling of disappointment goes, we now have to look forward to next season and putting things right again.”