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Alex Neil hails Robbie Brady’s star quality at Norwich City
Robbie Brady has been a revelation at Norwich City for Alex Neil since his summer move from Hull. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Robbie Brady is turning into a steal for Norwich City boss Alex Neil.
The Republic of Ireland international was the Canaries' big-money summer signing ahead of their Premier League return after a protracted chase for the former Hull City player.
Brady is currently with the Irish squad preparing for their crucial Euro 2016 play-off, first leg tie in Bosnia on Friday after a starring role in his club's 1-0 league win over Swansea.
'He is top quality,' said Neil. 'Robbie has all the attributes you need to be a top player, speed, quality on the ball, a real desire and competitiveness about him. I think he has been a terrific signing for us. He is certainly one of our stand out players to this stage of the season. There are probably two or three lads who are in that bracket and he is certainly one.'
Neil is prepared for an anxious few days with Brady, Wes Hoolahan, Martin Olsson and Alex Tettey all bidding to reach next summer's Euro 2016 finals. Republic assistant boss Roy Keane was highly critical earlier this week of some clubs who withdraw their players on injury grounds, but Neil would never block his men from featuring on the international stage.
'You want them to come back in full health and make sure they are okay. There is not much we can do about that,' he said. 'The problem you have got is the countries get precedence over the situation when the players go away. We have a good relationship with the countries and they understand the situation we are in and in the main there is a feeling we try to help each other.
'It is a great honour for the lads and it reflects well on the club as well.
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'What we don't want is our players being over-exposed and maybe others not getting used at all. Injury-wise, it is always a concern when it is out of your control and they are going elsewhere, whether it is training or playing. If they have a big squad and there are two games to play, providing they share the minutes out, that is fair for all the players who go away and represent their country.'
