Man of the Match Brady looking forward to French Adventure

Robbie Brady, the ‘3’ man of the match from the victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, spoke to the assembled press after the match in the mixed zone.

The ex-St. Kevin’s schoolboy who had scored the crucial away goal in Zenica last Friday under the cover of fog was delighted with the result that will allow him take part in his first major tournament in a green jersey.

“Unbelievable, I can’t really believe it. I’m still in shock. I’m so proud of all the lads involved as they were brilliant. For the team to be in France, for the country it’s great to be involved in major competitions.

“For the results we got it would have been a shame to let it slip. But the team showed on the night and I must say that Johnny Walters was unbelievable tonight exactly what we needed when he showed up for his two goals and his exceptional work rate.”

There is real sense of belief associated with this Irish team and it was again displayed tonight when one considers that it was the first European Championship playoff that Ireland has come through since they qualified for Euro 88.

“Definitely Ireland teams in the past have never done it the easy way ever but to go and capitalise on the results we have had in the last while is unbelievable.”

Brady might have been awarded the man of the match award but the Norwich City winger who played left back tonight was quick to praise goal scorer Jonathan Walters for his contribution on and off the field.

“It’s just his attitude, its top class and he is a great guy to have around the place. He was a standout player for us tonight watching him from behind and I think all the players linked up well especially Murphy and Long when he came on.

“When we got the goals they held on to the ball for us and ran down the clock.”

He reserved a special mention for the Irish fans that again were at their brilliant best in supporting the boys in green.

“They were unbelievable, the other night in Bosnia they were brilliant and again tonight it was a massive lift for us when they came out onto the field.

“There was no way we were going to let down those fans tonight as they have been brilliant travelling supporting us and first and foremost you don’t want to let them down. As well as your family and friends and the lads sitting beside you and it’s a great honour to be able to do this for everybody able to watch us.”

When his second half free kick allowed Walters to score his second of the evening he was questioned as to why he ran for Roy Keane and not to the other teammates who were with Walters and Brady gave a very honest answer.

“It was just towards the bench as I didn’t want to run across for the celebration as I knew that I would be knackered if I sprinted across, so I just ran towards the bench and he was the first person in my path.

“I’ve never had a feeling like that before as I knew it was important to get us over the line but then if lads didn’t do the job tonight and Johnny hadn’t gotten the goals tonight it would have meant nothing to us.”

A childhood dream is about to be eclipsed for Brady who is delighted at being able to repay all of those that have supported him so far in his career.

“Growing up, my main goal was to always play in front of the fans back here and be able to achieve something for them back here. It was great.”

Next summer could see Ireland play against England in France but Brady hadn’t even thought about it as the adrenaline was still running through his head.

“I haven’t even thought about it as my head is still thumping after the game.”