Conor Coventry says that the Addicks have found real form at The Valley and is looking forward to the challenge that Southampton will bring to SE7 on Saturday.
The midfielder made his full debut for the Republic of Ireland during the international break, playing a part in their remarkable Group F comeback in the World Cup Qualifiers, to secure a play-off place.
“It was amazing,” said Coventry, when asked about making his international debut in a 2-0 win over Portugal. “It was a real emotional moment and to have my family there, it was a really good night.”
The team came up against European giants Portugal, in their bid for a play-off spot, and Coventry relished in the challenge.
“Looking on the pitch, and seeing the likes of [Cristiano] Ronaldo. I got to play against Vitinha who I think is probably one of the best midfielders in the world at the moment. It was great, and a massive result for the country, in terms of the group and playing against the likes of Portugal.”
“It was a bit like a dream really, it’s hard to sum up. It was a real uphill battle I suppose, the whole group stage was for the team, it was an amazing night, I couldn’t believe it when we did it.”
Coventry admits there is still work to be done if he wants to feature against the Czech Republic in the play-offs. “I still have a lot of work to do to get myself on the plane, but the form Ireland are in and the confidence we have, we will see what we can do.”
Looking ahead to Saturday, the Addicks face a refreshed Southampton side, who won their last two matches before the break. “We know as a team we have real quality; and we know [Southampton] have an expensive squad.”
“They’re a big club who have just come down from the Premier League, and we have done quite well with the teams that have come down from the Premier League so far. We can take confidence and belief from those games, belief that we can win.”
Nathan Jones’ side have lost just once at The Valley in 2025.
“I think we have found real form at The Valley,” Coventry said. “We are confident that any team that comes to us, that we can give them a tough game, and that the fans will back us,” he said.
The atmosphere has been amazing, we love playing at The Valley and seeing all the fans, we know how much they help us, and long may it continue.”
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