Alan Browne has revealed his disappointment at having to withdraw from Ireland's squad for the June Euro 2020 qualifiers due to injury.
Browne, 24, suffered a calf problem during the Portugal training camp and played no part in the clashes with Denmark and Gibraltar last month.
The Cork-born midfielder is fit again, having just returned to pre-season training with Preston North End.
“I was disappointed to have to leave the squad, I was really enjoying it," said Browne.
"The new gaffer was making it an enjoyable trip and to have to leave early was disappointing for me, but it gave me a chance to keep ticking over and to make sure I was ready to go in pre-season.
“It is an important part of the season and all the boys are aware of that. I don’t think any footballer particularly likes this time of the season - it's more about getting your fitness and it is a lot of hard work.
“We pride ourselves on hard work, so I am sure this won’t be much of a test for us, we will get each other through it and push each other on.
“Come the first game of the season, the work we do now will be paying off".
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