MAN of the moment James McClean was on cloud nine on Monday night as his goal in Cardiff put the Republic of Ireland into the World Cup play-offs. The Republic travelled to Cardiff knowing only victory over Wales would ensure they progressed from Group D, and so it proved with McClean’s 57th minute strike as Serbia also won their game in Belgrade against Georgia to top the group.
“There’s no better feeling, it’s class. It was by far my best [international goal],” admitted McClean after the Derry man put Martin O’Neill’s team within two games of next summer’s World Cup finals in Russia.
“A lot of people wrote us off, they didn’t give us a chance tonight, even more so that we needed to win. But we went there and showed our character, we showed our quality as well. We dug deep and we’ll enjoy this now.”
Last night’s goal brought McClean’s tally in the current campaign to four and the West Brom winger is becoming an increasingly influential figure in the Ireland set-up.
“I remember it coming across,” he said of Jeff Hendrick’s pinpoint cross.
“It was a great dummy from Harry [Arter], whether or not he knew I was behind him only he’ll know, but as it was coming I was just thinking ‘keep it down, concentrate on keeping down.’ Thankfully, it hit the back of the net and there’s no better feeling on a football pitch.
“We’re not there yet, like I said, big night tonight, we’ll enjoy that, but it means nothing if we don’t go and qualify now.”
Martin O’Neill was full of praise for his charges following a sterling display in the Welsh capital.
“The guys have been magnificent,” the Kilrea man said.
“Wales were brilliant in the Euros and for us to come and win here on their territory is a great result for us. The last half-hour seemed like an eternity to me, to be perfectly honest.
“Whenever the draw’s made, we’ll take our chance. I’m absolutely delighted with our campaign.”
Jeff Hendrick praised the spirit shown by the Republic of Ireland.
Burnley midfielder Hendrick told Sky Sports: "It was hard work, we knew it would be, but we always said that once we had one game it's a do-or-die and when it comes to the big games this group of lads show up.
"I think everybody that plays us knows they are in for a hard game. We might not pass the ball as much as other countries but we've got the spirit and it's great to do it for the fans.
"We've got two big games, we've just got to keep going and we've got to show that spirit again."
"I think everybody that plays us knows they are in for a hard game. We might not pass the ball as much as other countries but we've got the spirit and it's great to do it for the fans.
"We've got two big games, we've just got to keep going and we've got to show that spirit again."
"It was hard work, we knew it would be, but we always said that once we had one game it's a do-or-die and when it comes to the big games this group of lads show up.
"I think everybody that plays us knows they are in for a hard game. We might not pass the ball as much as other countries but we've got the spirit and it's great to do it for the fans.
"We've got two big games, we've just got to keep going and we've got to show that spirit again."
