DERRY’S James McClean ran his socks into the ground last night as Ireland triumphed over Italy to make it into the last 16 of the Euro finals.
Denied a stonewall penalty in the first half, the Creggan lad battled all night in Lille up and and down the pitch in the hope of finding that elusive goal.
And on 85 minutes, Ireland’s prayers were answered when Robbie Brady headed home that all important winning goal.
An overwhelmed James McClean said the Republic of Ireland were driven by their “love for this country, for those fans, for ourselves and for our families” in the wake of an emotional 1-0 victory over Italy on Wednesday night.
He struggled to put into the words the enormity of the win, as he savoured one of Ireland’s great sporting moments.
“I don’t have any words. “Unbelievable. We did it the hard way, but it’s always worth it. We just thought, ‘we’ll leave it until the last few minutes and then we’ll score as we always do and build up the atmosphere here!
“No, all joking aside we knew it was win or bust. We went out from the first whistle and we gave it everything. Hopefully that showed.
“The passion and our love for this country, for those fans, for ourselves and for our families, I think we left nothing on that field. In terms of football, it was the best night ever.”
Much had been made of the make-up of Antonio Conte’s side ahead of the do-or-die showdown, as Italy, with progression assured, rested some key men.
McClean insisted a highly accomplished side still lined up against Ireland, and immediately set his sights on Sunday’s clash with host nation France in Lyon (kick off 2 pm).
“Fair enough it wasn’t the first-choice Italian side, but all those boys play in top top side and they’re still a very good outfit,” he added.
“I don’t know what it’s going to take for us to get a penalty in this tournament (McClean was hauled down in the box in the first half).
“We should have had one against Belgium. It was GBH on me tonight, I might put a complaint into the police!
“But who cares, we’re through.
“Robbie Brady will never have to buy another pint for the rest of his life.
“We’ll savour this now.
“It’s a feeling that I’ll never ever forget.
“Hopefully we’ve another night like this to come,” added James.
YOU ARE OUR HERO….Robbie Brady header secures Ireland’s place into the last 16 against France
