Nemanja Matic is ready for Serbia's 'most important game' against Republic of Ireland but has one eye on winning the Premier League title

  • Nemanja Matic is set to face Republic of Ireland in Serbia's World Cup qualifier
  • Matic believes the match could be the biggest in Serbia's football history 
  • Victory in Dublin would move Serbia within just one win from qualification  
  • The midfielder is also hopeful of winning the Premier League title this season  

Nemanja Matic believes Serbia's World Cup qualifier against Republic of Ireland has the potential to be the biggest match in the country's history.

And he wants to follow up passage to Russia 2018 with a Premier League title at Manchester United.

Serbia are top of Group D and a victory here in Dublin would move them to within one win of next summer's finals with two matches to play.

The Serbian midfielder has hit the ground running under Jose Mourinho this season 

Nemanja Matic will hope to help Serbia beat Republic of Ireland in their World Cup qualifier 

Matic has also enjoyed a fine start at United following his £40million move from Chelsea and they are the only team on maximum points after three games.


And the 29-year-old said: 'This is maybe the most important game for us in the football history of Serbia.

'There were many big games before when it was Yugoslavia. But since Serbia became separate (in 2008), this is one of the most important games because, if we win, we will be very close to the World Cup.

'That is very important for our football and our country. We are a small country and football means a lot. It is a dream for me to play in a World Cup with Serbia.

'If I then win the Premier League with Manchester United, then that will be something great.'

Matic believes the game against the Republic of Ireland is the biggest in Serbia's history 

Matic believes the game against the Republic of Ireland is the biggest in Serbia's history 

 Matic, though, would not be drawn on his controversial close-season transfer and the reasons why champions Chelsea allowed him to join a title rival.

'I don't like to talk about happened in the summer with me,' said the midfielder. 

'What I can say is that I'm happy to be part of a really big club such as Manchester United.

'It is true that we have started well and have nine points without conceding a goal. I am happy about that.'

Ray Wikins is baffled by Chelsea's decision to sell Nemanja Matic to rivals Manchester United 

Matic has started very well for Manchester United this season and wants to win the league title 

Matic is occupying the same position at Old Trafford as Ireland assistant boss Roy Keane did during his playing days.

And the current United star is looking forward to introducing himself to one of his new club's former greats.

'I will be happy to see him and have a chat with him,' said Matic.

'He is a legend of Manchester United and was a very important player for them for a long time. When I was young, when I started playing football, he was at his best and was a great player, one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

'I tried to take from every player something good to improve myself, and he was one. I am happy now that I play in the same club as he played.'