With qualification for Euro 2016 in the bag, the Republic of Ireland assistant manager was in positive form when he met the media today.
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The Stoke forward all but confirmed Ireland’s ticket to France with his second goal 20 minutes from full time to set off celebrations at the Aviva Stadium, as well as taking his tally to five goals in his past six qualifying matches.
According to Uefa.com, rather than being there to lend his incredible strength to a heroic conflict, Superman was merely called upon to lay out the kit. I said it last night that I have not been doing too much. “We’ll play it by ear and see where Martin and the other staff stand”, he said.
Forde had performed brilliantly in the 1-1 draw in Gelsenkirchen earlier in the group, whereas Randolph had never before played a competitive senior global – but, against the world champions with the score at 0-0, O’Neill opted for the more inexperienced goalkeeper and his judgment was vindicated.
“We won’t be short on hunger and desire and determination, and with the players and the manager we have, hopefully we’ll give every team we play a good game”. I know that it was supposedly the dawning of a new era like when any coach takes his place for the first time. I’m just delighted we’re off to France.
Keane infamously walked out on his country’s World Cup finals campaign in 2002 after a row with then manager Mick McCarthy over their preparations for the tournament in Japan and South Korea.
Robbie’s been absolutely brilliant, Sheasy was pushing to get back in on Monday, Shay’s come back at the start of the campaign.
Walters scored a first-half penalty and put the seal on qualification with a volley after the break and he was quick to praise the team effort.
“We want to surprise a few people”.
Coleman was keen to stress the squad effort it took to get over the line, especially as Cyrus Christie and David Meyler both played their part in his own position when he was absent.
“He is the hardest working footballer I’ve come across”, said Randolph.
He said: “Send you a postcard they said, enjoy your holidays they said, watch it on TV they said #france16”.
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“Obviously there were disappointments along the way as you would expect like in Scotland but we hung in there and the players showed great fighting spirit”.
