'Old school, new school' – Knight leading by example for Ireland

RTÉ News​

2 days ago

It was almost the perfect season for Ireland midfielder Jason Knight, as the Dubliner captained Bristol City all the way to the Championship play-offs, only to fall at the Premier League's penultimate hurdle.
An ever-present in the Robins' side that finished sixth in the table, Knight's club season came to a close when losing out to Sheffield United in the play-off semi-finals in early May.
On a positive note, Knight completed the clean sweep of in-house accolades, as he was named fans, players, former players, and senior Reds' player of the year, following a commanding season leading his side from the heart of the midfield.
Knight has taken a short stint away to lick his wounds, enjoy some sunshine, and report back for international duty ahead of two final fixtures, against Senegal on Friday night, followed by an away trip to Luxembourg.
"We've had a really good campaign, we fell short towards the end, but a really progressive campaign for the club and for myself as well," said Knight, speaking at Tuesday's press conference.
"The first season at Bristol was good, I played a lot of games and then obviously progressed this season, scored a few goals, got assists, and played a lot of games as well.
"Probably went into more of a leadership kind of role, being captain. So I've enjoyed it."
And Knight said that he is comfortable taking leadership whether at club or country, and feels that it has come naturally to him, as he has always looked to take responsibility on the pitch.
"I've tried to do that since I've come in [to Ireland squad]," he said. "I've been a loud character as well, I try and lead on the pitch. So it wouldn't really change for me.
"I've been around a little bit now in the Irish set-up, so it is time for everyone to step up, and that means senior players, and players who have played a lot as well, to help the lads who have come in as well sort of get into the group and normalise around the place as well. So that's what we have to do as well.
"I've had a couple of weeks off, got the feet up and got some sun so I'm ready to go. I've got a few games now and I can have another couple of weeks off after that."
Missing out on promotion this season, Knight's performances will certainly have gained attention from top-flight clubs, however, while the ambition remains to play Premier League football, he is not looking to force the issue at this stage of his career.
"I've obviously had a good season, I'm enjoying myself at Bristol," said Knight. "I want to be ambitious. I want to play in the top division.
"But I'm relaxed, if it's now or in the future, that will be. I've just got to keep performing well to get to that point."
"Not that I've heard anyway," he added, when asked had there been any interest. "It's been a bit quiet for the last couple of weeks, just with the season ending. It's been a long season, so nothing so far."
Sitting next to Knight at the press conference was Ireland assistant coach, John O'Shea, and the former Manchester United and Sunderland defender spoke highly of the midfielder and has been particularly impressed with the consistency that has come with playing every game of the season at club level.
And he also spoke about the quality and leadership that comes as part of the package when Knight is involved with the national team.
"There is consistency in the numbers," said O'Shea, regarding Knight. "He mentions the games that he has played and it is a case of he is naturally leading now, vocally but also performance and intensity-wise.
"If we are doing a drill in training, you know if Knighty is involved in it then it is going to take care of itself and that is brilliant for a coaching staff, to have that and to see that reliability.
"It's also a trust to know what he is going to produce for the team as well. He has grown into the role for club and country.
"I'm sure there's lots of people looking at him and I'm sure Bristol City are very happy with him too. There's always that element of him being new school and old school, but it is a good school that he is from. Hopefully it continues."
As for Knight, there is no place that he would rather be that embedded in the Ireland camp, despite the fact that he is missing out on valuable time away from the hectic schedule of the English Championship.
"I could be in Albufeira, you're right," he laughed.
"No, look, there's always time for holidays. I know I'm young, but I know these caps and these opportunities are gold dust and I'm trying to grab them as much as I can.
"This is the dream, this is where I want to be and I'm excited to be here for these two games and hopefully many more."