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David Donnelly

Ireland under-21 star Conor Noss reflects on home Bundesliga debut for Borussia Moenchengladbach

Ireland under-21 star Conor Noss expressed his joy after making his home Bundesliga debut for Borussia Moenchengladbach at the weekend.

The 21-year-old played the final half hour of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Mainz at Borussia-Park, his second senior appearance for the club.

Attacking midfielder Noss was introduced in place of Lars Stindl with the home side 1-0 up thanks to a first-half strike from Swiss international Breel Embolo.

Mainz salvaged a draw thanks to a strike from Austrian striker Kevin Onisiwo and Borussia were grateful to goalkeeper Yann Sommer for keeping it at 1-1.

Dusseldorf citizen Noss, who qualifies for Ireland through his Dublin mother, made his debut as a late sub in a 4-0 win away to Greuther Furth in November.

Speaking to the club’s media team after the game, Noss reflected on his feelings stepping out in front of a packed home stadium.

He said: “It makes me really happy to have played my second game. It’s a reward for the hard work that I invest every day.

“I can feel the trust of the coaching team and I’ve always got good feedback in recent weeks. I was well prepared and of course I was really happy that I got the chance.

“I was lucky to make my Bundesliga debut against Greuther Fürth in front of 38,000 fans. That was a similar atmosphere then, but of course, a full Borussia-Park is tough to top.”

Noss, who has represented Ireland all through the age grades but is open to switching to his country of birth, came on at a crucial point in the game.

Mainz levelled just five minutes after his introduction as he joined Alassane Plea in a front three just behind Embolo. A stern defensive effort earned Gladbach a point but they missed out on a chance to leapfrog Bochum into eleventh spot in the 20-team league.

Noss added: “We had the ball moving around well in the first half. We played some good passes and created a lot of chances.

https://twitter.com/FAIreland/status/1434527992529756160

“It was a bit more difficult after the break; we had more to deal with. Mainz are a very robust team. There were a lot of aerial battles and that’s what they’re good at.

“As an attacker, obviously I had hoped that we’d create a bit more going forward and of course I wanted to score the winner. All in all though, I’m pleased that we got the point.”

He concluded: “Our focus is now completely on the Fürth game. We want to go there and get the three points.”

Speaking on his international plans earlier this year, Noss said: "I haven't made my decision yet, but I have really enjoyed myself playing first for the under-19s, also now for the under-21s.

"I think the future looks good for Irish football. I love the passion the Irish players and Irish fans have and how they support their nation. I feel very proud to be Irish and to represent a big part of who I am."

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