McDonnell - Scoring was unbelievable
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“Unbelievable” is how promising Dundalk midfielder Stephen McDonnell has described finally getting off the mark for the Republic of Ireland as they opened their UEFA U19 Championship qualification Group 10 with a resounding 5-0 win over Luxembourg in Teteven, Bulgaria on Thursday afternoon. McDonnell struck on 37 minutes, moments after captain Robert Brady had given Paul Doolin’s side the lead from the penalty spot, and after Seán McGinty wrapped up the points before half-time, substitutes Michael Rafter and Craig Walsh put further gloss on the scoreline late on.
For 18-year-old McDonnell, from O’Hanlon Park in the town, it was a first goal at any level for Ireland, and speaking from the team’s base in Bulgaria hours after scoring, the youngster’s joy was evident. “I have to say it was unbelievable considering I had never scored for my country before,” Stephen exclusively told dundalkfc.com on Thursday night. “It was a great feeling. I couldn’t tell you exactly how many caps I have at all levels but I’d roughly say about 55 to 60. I have been trying hard to get a goal; it is something that has been on my mind so it’s great for it to finally happen. I’m delighted.”
McDonnell departed for Bulgaria last Saturday having been an unused sub for Dundalk against Galway United the previous night, and he admits that he has enjoyed the first six days of the adventure, though he stated that the scoreline against Luxembourg did not totally reflect the quality of opposition. “It wasn’t as easy as the scoreline suggests,” he said. “Luxembourg had a lot of nippy and intelligent little players, but we proved too strong for them in the end.” Next up for the Irish is a clash with host country Bulgaria on Saturday afternoon but McDonnell reckons the most difficult assignment will come on Tuesday when they tackle Serbia. “Of course we’re looking forward to Saturday,” he said. “It’s a must-win game for us as if we win we’re through to the Elite phase. Bulgaria will be a strong side but I’d say Serbia will be the toughest test considering they beat Bulgaria 3-0 today.”
For 18-year-old McDonnell, from O’Hanlon Park in the town, it was a first goal at any level for Ireland, and speaking from the team’s base in Bulgaria hours after scoring, the youngster’s joy was evident. “I have to say it was unbelievable considering I had never scored for my country before,” Stephen exclusively told dundalkfc.com on Thursday night. “It was a great feeling. I couldn’t tell you exactly how many caps I have at all levels but I’d roughly say about 55 to 60. I have been trying hard to get a goal; it is something that has been on my mind so it’s great for it to finally happen. I’m delighted.”
McDonnell departed for Bulgaria last Saturday having been an unused sub for Dundalk against Galway United the previous night, and he admits that he has enjoyed the first six days of the adventure, though he stated that the scoreline against Luxembourg did not totally reflect the quality of opposition. “It wasn’t as easy as the scoreline suggests,” he said. “Luxembourg had a lot of nippy and intelligent little players, but we proved too strong for them in the end.” Next up for the Irish is a clash with host country Bulgaria on Saturday afternoon but McDonnell reckons the most difficult assignment will come on Tuesday when they tackle Serbia. “Of course we’re looking forward to Saturday,” he said. “It’s a must-win game for us as if we win we’re through to the Elite phase. Bulgaria will be a strong side but I’d say Serbia will be the toughest test considering they beat Bulgaria 3-0 today.”
