Cork star Chiedozie Ogbene claims he’s still got his burst of pace despite injury

Ireland winger Chiedozie Ogbene is adamant his trademark pace hasn’t been slowed by a serious 10-month injury.

Despite Ipswich Town loaning Corkman to Sheffield United on deadline day, Heimir Hallgrímsson insists he‘s ready to start tonight's vital opener World Cup qualifier against Hungary at Lansdowne Road (7.45pm).

Obgene concurs, admitting his concerns about losing one of his main attributes were allayed by medical experts during his layoff. 

He grew up studying Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt and was clocked as the third fastest Premier League player while at Luton Town, trailing just behind Micky van de Ven and Kyle Walker.

“Funnily enough I was worried about that but no, my top speed is fantastic,” said the winger originally from Grange.

“When I spoke to the specialist, I said I didn’t have good range in my ankle. He said a stiff ankle is actually perfect for the kind of player I am.

CONSISTENT

“When I came back from my rehab in pre-season, I ran 10.2 metres per second. Then I was down to 10 metres per second at a consistent level.

“Prior to my injury, I ran that speed once every two or three weeks but I was playing more games.

“That gave me the confidence that I am who I am and where I want to be.

If I can replicate that week-in-week-out, I think I will be a lot more dangerous than I was previously.” 

Ogbene was an ever-present in Hallgrímsson’s first four matches at the helm before his Achilles rupture in October while playing in the top-flight for Ipswich Town.

Kasey McAteer’s €12m capture in the summer contributed to Kieran McKenna offloading Ogbene and the wingers are also rivals for a wide berth against Dominik Szoboszlai’s second seeds in the group.

“I thought Kasey was a good signing for the club,” surmised Ogbene about his compatriot’s arrival from Leicester City.

“There’s 46 games in the Championship plus Cups so we’re going to need help. I don’t want to put Kasey in a difficult position where both wingers are competing against each other at Ipswich for minutes and neither of us are playing for Ireland.

“It was best that I find minutes to play regularly. Same for Kasey because it strengthens the Ireland squad.” 

Saturday’s game was confirmed earlier this week as a 51,000 sell-out. No player in the squad has enjoyed the prestige of reaching a major tournament and while a draw would be deemed by many acceptable, as a senior player, Ogbene isn’t checking his ambitions.

“I think we can beat Hungary and Armenia, if we do things right,” he affirmed. “That’s what I’d hope. With the way we’ve prepared and trained this week, I want us to get six points – with a minimum of four.”