Zagreb has been home for the Brighton midfielder and his Ireland U-21 teammates over the last five days, as they defeated Croatia on their home patch on Friday ahead of tomorrow’s final friendly against England’s U-20s.
But after he returns home from the June camp later this week, the 20-year-old will soon find himself on a flight back to the Balkan nation.
“It’s my first time in Croatia, but I actually booked to go on holiday here, too. I’m going the day after this camp finishes, it’s just a coincidence. I’ve loved it here,” laughs Moran, speaking ahead of Ireland’s clash with England tomorrow (3pm Irish time).
“I’m going to Split, about six hours from Zagreb, so I’m going back to Dublin, then to Split, which I can’t wait for.”
While Moran’s full focus is on the test against the English, ahead of Ireland’s huge Euro 2025 qualifying run-in later this year, he began the June window in John O’Shea’s squad as he and fellow U-21 internationals Josh Keeley and Bosun Lawal were invited in to train with the seniors.
“I have been in with them in the last couple of windows now, so I’m starting to become a bit more comfortable and getting to know a few of the lads,” said Moran, who is one of only two players in the current U-21s who have been capped at senior level (along with Sinclair Armstrong), having earned his debut against New Zealand last November.
“I think it’s two different feelings. With the seniors, it’s amazing to just be there, even when I was on the bench for a few games. Then coming on was unbelievable, one of the best things I have ever done in my life. So you are buzzing just to even be there.
“But with the U-21s, being halfway through the campaign now and striving to qualify for the Euros for the very first time, you can’t really take it as a step down because it’d be such a massive achievement if we can do it.
“When I’m here, my full focus is on that, and when I’m with the seniors, it’s just about trying to impress and show everyone how good I can be.”
Having risen through the ranks at the Seagulls since arriving from Bray Wanderers in 2020 – making his Premier League debut last year – the Knocklyon man spent last term on loan at Blackburn, making 41 appearances in all competitions.
“Looking back on the year, it was brilliant. If you had told me I’d play that much Championship football (35 appearances) at the start of the year, I wouldn’t have believed you,” he said.
“As soon as I joined, I went straight into the team. That was the busiest period, October and November, games Saturday and Tuesday every week. I played so many games without probably realising. I loved every minute of it. I learned so much to bring into next year, hopefully.”
Moran bagged his third U-21 goal on his tenth cap in last week’s win over the hosts and has his sights set on back-to-back victories in Vrbovec tomorrow.
“Croatia and England are two really big teams who are constantly qualifying for tournaments – that’s where we want to get to.
“If we can start beating teams like that, it shows we’re on the right path. We know how good England can be at every age group. We go into every game trying to win, so that’ll be the aim.”
