PADDY MADDEN GOT his first taste of international football last night but is already looking ahead to next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
The 23-year-old Yeovil Town striker came off the bench to replace Wes Hoolahan with 21 minutes left to make his senior bow and was unlucky not to have come away with a debut goal after seeing a well-hit strike saved by Wales stopper Boaz Myhill.
He also set up Shane Long for what was arguably Ireland’s best chance before skying a volley over the bar and seemed happy with the impressive cameo.
“It’s a great achievement for myself,” he said. “Obviously to represent your country is a great achievement and I’m delighted I did.
The gaffer just turned around and gave me the nod. I was ready and was hoping he would – thankfully he did. I thought I did well but I should’ve came off the pitch with a goal.
“The first one I hit early and the keeper’s made a fantastic save. The other one I tried to bend around the ‘keeper but you learn from your mistakes and next time I’ll probably take a touch.
“Hopefully I’ve shown the gaffer that I’m up to the international standard and get the nod in the next squad.”
The former Bohemians forward was one of five ex-Airtricity League players involved last night and believes there will be more following in their footsteps in the near future.
“There’s a lot of quality in the League of Ireland. You’ve seen all the players that have come through the league and gone on to do well in England. Hopefully the players keep producing in the league and we see a few more.”
On his new player, Giovanni Trapattoni added: “In his club it’s not easy what he can do, because it’s different potential. But with our potential he can be very very dangerous. His feel of the ball is not bad – a mix of Cox and a mix of Long – he’s quick and fast. Has has good personality.”
Audio courtesy of 98fm.
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