Derry’s James McClean celebrates after his superb 48th minute goal gave Ireland three points against Austria
REPUBLIC of Ireland match winner James McClean has been hailed a hero his sweetly struck left-footed drive secured three points in Vienna against Austria.
Ireland legend Paul McGrath – capped 83 times by his country – was hugely impressed with the Creggan lad’s goal, performance and all around work rate.
The 56-year=old tweeted after the fantastic performance: “James McClean you are a Hero, well done kid Work rate Brilliant #Cheerspal.”
There was no doubt McClean was the toast of Derry and Ireland last night after his 48th minute left-footed strike hurtled through the Austrian keeper’s legs.
It propelled Ireland to the top of the Group D leader board in their fourth game of their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The victory means they are two points ahead of Serbia and four clear of Wales.
Wales threw away three home points after Serbia bagged a late goal to give them a share of the spoils.
And the Creggan couldn’t hide his delight after the game given that only a few days earlier he was an injury doubt.
“It was without a doubt my biggest goal for Ireland,” he said.
It was his third goal in a green shirt in two games.
“You play on merit and the performances you put in, so I want to keep pulling my weight.”
McClean, 27, joked assistant manager Roy Keane would have “killed” him had he squandered the chance, adding:
“He hammers us in training that we must hit the target.”
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill expects the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign to be “very tight” after his side beat Austria in Vienna.
“I’m really pleased to have 10 points on the board, but there’s a million miles to go,” said O’Neill.
The Republic are the first away team to win in Austria since Germany in 2012.
The Austrians qualified for Euro 2016 with an unbeaten record of nine victories from 10 qualifying games.
But they have lost two of their first four matches in World Cup qualifying to sit fourth, six points behind the Republic.
O’Neill said: “We defied the odds to win this game. I don’t think the record is important but it’s three great points for us. Tonight just encapsulates the spirit of the team.
“We had to withstand a lot of pressure. It took us a long time to get into the game. We’ve got a good strength of character, which is very important.
“It’s a really great start but I know from our experience in the Euro campaign that matches are difficult.
“I still believe it will be very tight.” added the south Derry manager.
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