The West Brom and Ireland player discusses his ‘frustration’, ‘anger’, and worry for his future, which led to the pre-season punch against Real Mallorca.

Jayson Molumby, a West Brom and Ireland midfielder, has spoken out about the causes that contributed to his moment of madness during preseason.

And he has admitted that the foot ailment that has kept him out of action since the beginning of the year has made him concerned about his career.

The English FA accused the Waterford native with aggressive conduct after he punched an opponent during the Baggies’ preseason friendly against Real Mallorca.

He acknowledged the accusation and was fined about €19,000, as well as a five-game suspension that applies exclusively to friendly matches.

Footage of him punching Portuguese player Samu Costa instantly went viral, but Molumby revealed why he did it ahead of Ireland’s Nations League opener against England.

He had been out since the beginning of January with a foot ailment and had to undergo surgery.

When asked if his dissatisfaction over his seven-month absence contributed to the event, Molumby said, “Probably.

“It had been building up for six or seven months before then. A lot of frustration and rage.

“Obviously, I didn’t behave myself well there and was probably going through a tough moment.

“It’s definitely not something I’m proud of, but I’m also human. I have feelings as well, and I can only raise my hands when I am incorrect.

“Off the pitch, I’m not an aggressive person at all; I’m quite calm and relaxed, but I believe I just go into competitive mode when I cross the line.” It’s a different ballgame.

“Managers throughout my career have attempted to calm me down a little bit, but I think when I’m not near the player.

“It’s just about me channelling that and putting it into the right things, and I feel as if I’ve done that.”

Molumby discussed the difficulties he had during his recovery from a foot injury that interrupted his season during the New Year’s Day match against Swansea.

After surgery, there were concerns that he would not be able to return in time for preseason training.

“To be honest, it was a nightmare, a killer,” said the 24-time capped midfielder.

“I’ve been playing football since I was a kid, so getting a serious injury strikes you hard. It was a lengthy road, possibly eight months, to my final competitive game before the season began.

“There was probably a lot of anger and frustration at the time.” I’m simply glad to be back; I’m feeling fine now.”

He continued, “You definitely learn a lot about yourself.” Do you understand what I mean by an emotional journey?

“You can’t do anything except wait, I guess. To be honest, you don’t know if you’ll come back because I had a serious injury. You are quite worried.

“Thankfully I got the best surgeon and the club were fantastic with me, so a big thanks to West Brom and all the medical team there.”

When asked if he honestly thought he wouldn’t return, Molumby said, “Yes.” Any major injury, I believe you have no idea how it will go.

“You’re not sure if you’ll make it back to the level. You don’t know if it will recover adequately because surgery always carries some risk.

“Yeah, it was a bit of a worry, but all good now.”

The 25-year-old is expected to make an instant return to the Ireland starting lineup for Saturday’s Nations League opener against England.

New manager Heimir Hallgrímsson looks to be looking for a player, especially with Josh Cullen out due to injury.

“It’s early days,” he stated of working under the former Iceland and Jamaica manager.

“We’re getting into the groove of things, getting to know each other and what he expects from his style of play. I’m simply glad to be back with the group.”

Molumby will not be scared by the strength of his opponents on Saturday.

“I think everyone knows the midfield they have,” stated the player.