Swindon Town's Stephan Negru on pride of playing for Moldova

Ian Holloway will be frustrated to be without his best defender for a key league game against Grimsby Town, but Negru is very excited to be back with Moldova for this present camp.

The defender got his first call-up back in March, making his first appearance off the bench against Cyprus, helping the team come from 3-0 down when he was brought on, to get back to 3-2.

Negru was not in the squad in September, but has earned a recall for two key UEFA Nations League matches, and he could not be prouder.

“My parents are from Moldova,” he said. “They found their way to Ireland. I was born and raised in Ireland, but my blood is all Moldovan. My family are all Moldovan: my cousins and some relatives still live in Moldova. I don't go back as often, but I still have love for the country, and I am Moldovan throughout.”

Despite growing up in Ireland, Negru has always felt Moldovan, and it was through his mother that the opportunity to play for his country came about.

“My mother got a message through the representative from Moldova,” he said. “They were basically saying, ‘Is your son willing to play for our country?’ Then we tried to get the process going, and it was quite difficult to get the documents and things together.

“I was born in Ireland, but once I had the chat with my family, it was a no-brainer, and I'm glad we got everything over the line, and I made my debut earlier this year.

“It's also a great experience to get exposure on an international level. So hopefully there are many more to come. I really enjoyed my time in the two weeks that I was away with the country.”

Stephan Negru will miss Swindon Town's trip to Grimsby Town (Image: Andy Crook)

Whilst Moldova is not the biggest nation, Negru has been brought in for a very important camp.

Despite losing twice to Slovakia in the last window, Moldova picked up a draw at home to the Faroe Islands and a win in Kazakhstan to set them up well.

Having already played the best team in their group twice, strong results against the Faroe Islands and Kazakhstan will likely send them into the play-offs to get into League B in March.

“When I went there,” Negru said of his previous call-up. “I was kind of taken aback at the level. People think it's not up to standard compared to other countries, but I was taken aback, and the level is really high, and that helps you to raise your game. Hopefully I can learn and improve and be part of something special with Moldova.

Stephan Negru made his Moldova debut as a substitute against Cyprus (Image: Andy Crook)

“The demands of representing the country are huge. I was glad to say the minutes I played, I didn't concede a goal and made some sort of an impact to try and get the scoreline more respectable. All I do is, when I get the chance given to me on the pitch, I just try my very best and show everyone what I can do.”

If Negru is to help Moldova to promotion, then that could see him playing against some top nations, either in League B, which presently features the likes of Scotland, Switzerland, and Sweden, or by giving them a pathway to make the European Championship.

“Obviously that's what you dream of as a kid,” he said. “Playing in the biggest games against the biggest players. So chances like that, if they do come about, I am so excited for them, and hopefully I get the chance to show him my capability at the highest level.”