IRELAND’S HERO JAMES McClean admitted his winning goal in tonight’s do-or-die World Cup qualifier against Wales was his ‘best’ in a green shirt as Martin O’Neill’s men booked a play-off berth.

“This will mean nothing if we don’t go on and win the play-off,” the West Brom winger said.

“We will take whoever we get and have a real go and after this, we feel we can beat anyone.

“It was my best goal for Ireland by far. It was a great dummy from Harry Arter. Whether or not he knew I was behind him only he will know, but it was a great moment. There is no better feeling. It’s class.

“A lot of people wrote us off and didn’t give us a chance tonight, but we showed our quality when we needed to and we will enjoy this now.”

Manager O’Neill spoke of his pride post-match: ”The players were magnificent playing away from home at a very good Welsh side. To win on their territory was a great result for us.

“That last half hour seemed an eternity. We had to withstand pressure but we knew at some stage we would have to try to win the game and we did it. The goal was worthy of winning any game.

“We are in the play-offs. Whenever the draw is made we will take our chance.”

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