IRELAND'S Andrew Omobamidele has welcomed the challenge of facing French superstar Kylian Mbappe when the sides meet next Monday.
Ireland began their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign against the World Cup finalists in Paris and face a difficult test against one of the world's best international sides.
One of the obvious threats that will come from France will be Paris Saint-Germain attacker Mbappe, who has scored 31 goals in all competitions this year.
The Irish defender will be one of the men tasked with stopping the French sensation on Monday.
The Leixlip native is aiming to play in tomorrow's friendly against Latvia and doing likewise in the game against France next week.
When asked on Monday how he would feel marking Mbappe in the Stade de France he said: "I'd be happy.
"I'd embrace it. After the game you are walking off knowing where you are as a player, because that is the ultimate test for any defender in the world.
"It's a massive privilege to play for Ireland so if I can be involved in any of the games that would be great.
"I think everyone agrees that Mbappe is a good player, he is quick, and I’d like to think I’m quick as well, so I’d love to do a foot race or something like that, see how quick I am!
Andrew Omobamidele says he would embrace facing Kylian Mbappe in Irelands qualifier next Monday and would like a footrace with him.
Full video: https://t.co/BuFXX1UR47#coybig #andrewOmobamidele #mbappe #Irelandfootball #France pic.twitter.com/vduim1CaZn— Irish Football Fan TV (@irishfantv) March 21, 2023
"When the draw came out, obviously when we saw the teams in there, I was more excited than anything. It’s perfect to test yourself personally and as a team against these top nations. I am more just excited to see how it’s going to go."
Omobamidele who has had his fair share of injury problems since making his Premier League debut in December 2019 revealed a stress fracture in his back curtailed his progress with Norwich and Ireland but added that his back is fine.
"I kind of came onto the scene quickly at Norwich and on the international stage, obviously my debut against Portugal and coming back here and playing against Serbia and Azerbaijan and these teams.
"I got a stress fracture in my back and that kept me out for six to seven months. Going from all those highs in two weeks to the lows where I couldn't do anything... I just had to naturally rest.
"It was tough but happily that's behind me. I've no problems with my back."
Ireland's game against Latvia in the Aviva tomorrow starts at 19.45.
