Republic of Ireland v Hungary: Chiedozie Ogbene ‘a lot wiser’ after Achilles tendon injury

Ogbene, who has since made the switch to fellow Championship side Sheffield United, said he spent “a lot of hours getting to know my body” and “watching clips” to help him return physically and tactically sharper for pre-season this summer.

“Watching a lot of football for nine months, you learn a lot more. When you’re immersed in it it is 100 miles an hour and the stuff the manager says you don’t really understand but when you’re out of it and watching from the side it’s a really good education,” he explained.

“I spoke to John Egan and Gavin Bazunu, who had previous Achilles [injuries]. I spoke to them about their journeys so I made sure I put those things in my rehab early, and I had a very smooth and successful rehab.

“I’m so glad it has paid off I had a wonderful pre-season and my body has felt as fit and strong as it has ever been so I am excited.”

Ogbene will be hoping to add to his 24 caps for the Republic of Ireland in this international window as they begin their World Cup qualifying campaign.

They host Hungary on Saturday in Dublin before travelling to face Armenia on Tuesday and Ogbene is targeting two wins to help them get their Group F campaign off to a flying start.

“I hope everyone goes in with the mentality that we want to get six points. That’s how the manager sees it and that’s how I see it. I want us to get six, minimum four but I don’t want to sit here and say I want four points,” Ogbene added.

“I think we can beat Hungary if we do the right things and we can beat Armenia. The way the guys are training, we want six points.

“I’m very happy with what I saw [in training] and I have a really good feeling about this camp.”