(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Fri 27 March 2026 18:00, UK

West Brom star Jayson Molumby seems to have been on the wrong side of a heartbreaking result as his Ireland side had their World Cup dreams crushed by the Czech Republic this Thursday.

Molumby played 115 minutes as Ireland were forced into extra time of their semi-final World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic, with the score at 2-2 after 120 minutes.

Unfortunately for the Baggies star, his side were beaten on penalties after former Albion youth product Finn Azaz missed Ireland’s fourth and final penalty.

However, James Morrison’s midfield seems to have kept the respect of the Irish media and people with his lung-busting display, despite the loss.

Molumby is an important player for West Brom, and though he’ll be returning to the Black Country Club upset, it’s good to see him earn praise away from The Hawthorns.

What did the Irish media say about Jayson Molumby’s performance?

Molumby has had a big resurgence for West Brom recently, so his performance for his country comes as no real surprise.

He was looking like the last man to be substituted for his side, until manager Heimir Hallgrimsson was forced to withdraw Sammie Szmodics, who appeared to have gone unconscious in the 120th minute after taking a big hit.

As seen in the table above, the West Brom star even came close to becoming a hero, but his effort from outside the box was denied in the 53rd minute.

The Irish media were impressed with his performance, regardless of the result.

Balls.ie wrote: “Produced his usual energetic display in the middle third, seemingly getting under the skin on his Czech counterparts on a couple of occasions.

“Hit the post with a brilliant strike just after halftime. Molumby was hugely important for Ireland in this game and produced his best international display in some time.” He earned an eight out of 10 rating.

The Irish Examiner gave the Albion man a seven out of 10, despite him having a “nervy moment” when being accused of a shot hitting his hand inside the penalty box during extra time.

The Irish Times also gave Molumby a seven out of 10 rating, coming close to scoring a “wonderful” strike, and explained how the Albion man acted as Ireland’s £defensive anchor in the middle of the field”.

Does Molumby get an early West Brom return now?

Unfortunately, the Baggies won’t be getting Molumby back any earlier, despite Ireland not playing in what would have been a final qualifying game against Denmark.

This is because Ireland are now set to take on North Macedonia next week, which means Molumby is still at risk of not being an ideal candidate to start against Wrexham on Good Friday.

Morrison was already aware that he would be involved in two games, regardless of the result against Czech Republic, but there is still good news for Baggies fans.

There is no guarantee that the 26-year-old will start in this friendly, given that he just ran his socks off for 115 minutes this week, which enhances his chances of being able to start for West Brom after the break.