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Coleman celebrates at full time. Ryan Byrne/INPHO
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'When I come out with this group of lads it's a privilege': Coleman praises Ireland's team spirit

Martin O’Neill’s men sit pretty at the top of Group D.

SEAMUS COLEMAN ADMITS there’s a long way to go on the road to Russia but tonight’s victory over Austria is ‘massive’ in the context of the qualification campaign.

James McClean’s second-half strike secured Martin O’Neill’s men a crucial, and first-ever, win in Vienna as they moved top of Group D on 10 points.

Speaking to RTÉ afterwards, Coleman praised the team’s work ethic and spirit as they came away from the Ernst Happel Stadion with a result which rounds off a memorable year.

“Brilliant, massive three points,” he said. “I say it all the time, when I come out with this group of lads it’s a privilege.

“We know we’re going to leave it out there, we rode our luck a few times but the likes of Johnny Walters up top, James McClean his back is hanging off him having put in a performance like that. David Meyler has been waiting for a chance and he was different class.

“We know it’s three points but it’s massive and those fans who have come out here for us, 3,500 and that’s what it means to us as well.”

Coleman reserved special praise for the match winner, and man of the match, McClean who capped an impressive performance with his third goal of the campaign.

“He’s really taken to the green shirt the last year maybe, he’s been brilliant since the Euros,” the Everton defender added.

“You know what you’re going to get with James and what a finish as well. As I said, it’s three points, three massive points. There’s a long way to go but we’re really happy and proud of our fans.”

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McClean strike sends Ireland top of the group after first-ever win in Vienna

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