– Paul Dollery reports from Cardiff City Stadium
HE ADMITTED THAT it was the best night of his career but David Meyler was also quick to point out that in spite of the euphoria that greeted tonight’s result in Cardiff, Ireland’s mission has yet to be accomplished.
A second-half goal from James McClean gave Martin O’Neill’s side a 1-0 win over Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium in their final Group D qualifier. They’ll still need to progress through a two-legged play-off next month, however, before a place at next summer’s World Cup in Russia is secured.
In the absence of the injured Seamus Coleman, David Meyler wore the captain’s armband for the second consecutive game and the Corkman produced an outstanding performance in the middle of the park.
Meyler will miss the first leg of the play-off after picking up a yellow card late in the game for a foul on Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, but he was elated afterwards nevertheless.
“Overall it’s probably the best night of my football career,” said the Hull City midfielder. “Obviously I’ve had some big moments with Hull but to captain your country to beat Wales away is huge. My family are here so I’m sure my dad and mum are chuffed.”
Meyler has grasped his chance to impress in the Ireland starting line-up since being given the nod to play against Serbia last month. The captaincy has meant a lot to him, but he insists he’s merely deputising for Seamus Coleman.
“I’ve had to work hard and wait for the opportunities. Everybody wants to play and when you get an opportunity you’ve got to take it. I’ve felt I’ve done alright in the last three games — I’ve played against Serbia, Moldova and obviously tonight.
“I can’t sit on this now, I’ve got to do more. It’s a huge honour to have the armband but Seamus Coleman is our captain, I’m just filling in. It’s a huge thing for me and my family, though.”
The first leg of the play-off will take place on 9-11 November, followed by the second leg on 12-14 November. Ireland will discover their opponents when the draw is made on 17 October.
Meyler said: “We can’t get too carried away because we’ve got to go now and obviously win the play-off against whoever it is. We’ve got one massive step to go.
“I said it ages ago but I’ve believed for a long time that we’ll go to Russia and I still believe that. Bring them on.”
What’s with all the hate for the author? Get a life lads
Fight me
Poor article but leave the man alone, he’s just trying to put stew on the table like the rest of us
That’s rich coming from you Hightower after I seen you commenting racist jokes on an article only last night
After you saw, please spell it right John it’s my biggest peeve.
Ah shut up ya meath p***k
Anything a better than a Paul Fennessy article though.
Hate????
I can read Eoin casually enough and his articles are generally nice to read. I find the other journalists articles are often poor opinion pieces that are badly researched. I can also tell it’s his piece after a few sentences, and I don’t enjoy reading his style of writing either.
I’ve also seen him argue with posters in the comments section when they don’t agree with his piece which looks sloppy to me. He doesn’t like criticism.
Wow, ease up lads! I thought it was an interesting piece.
Its not like hes been playing there for a year now oh wait
“Footballer turns out for club” would be a better headline
‘Keyboard Warrior Who’s Never Written An Article In His Life Thinks He Can Act Hard’ would be a good one for you no?
If you’ve nothing nice to say, say nothing.
Eoin if your where any good at your job you’d know that it’s his agents greedy fee that’s holding up the transfer, not pogba, not Utd , and not Woodward .
I thought ‘mummy’ was the agent for her three boys.
I hope United pull out of this saga soon. Being held to a ransom by an agent is embarrassing for the club. And not to mention the fee for a player who clearly wants to play elsewhere. Surely there is better value in the market.
Poor
Which Guinea , there’s 3 !