Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy says he didn't need to see Jack Byrne's match-winning goal to be impressed by the Shamrock Rovers' midfielder's performance last Friday night.
McCarthy was in the stands at Tallaght to watch the Hoops' 3-2 victory over the defending SSE Airtricity League Premier Division leaders.
“I did see Jack’s goal – on my phone in the car!," the Ireland boss told the FAI's website.
And yes, it was a great goal and maybe as good as the earlier Jordan Flores strike for Dundalk that has been seen by so many across the globe by now and rightly so.
“What did impress me on the night was Jack’s ability to see a pass and make the pass. Plenty of players can see a pass but Jack is able to play the ball as well and that was a key factor in the game.
“He certainly gave me plenty to think about with that performance and I loved everything about the game. The atmosphere was electric, the record crowd had a real buzz about them and it was a great advert for the League.”
The Ireland boss says they're awaiting further news on the extent of the injury suffered by captain Seamus Coleman on Sunday:
“Our thoughts are with Seamus now, our doctor Alan Byrne has been in touch with the medical team at Everton and we will wait on their prognosis.
“It’s not good news as of now but, like James McClean, Seamus is a fighter and he will do everything he can do to be on the plane to Slovakia. We will keep our fingers crossed for him.”
McCarthy says he was also pleased to see Michael Obafemi, Scott Hogan and James Collins find the net last weekend:
“Our players are scoring at just the right time as we get closer to Slovakia. Michael will be delighted to have scored after getting the nod to start upfront with Shane and Matt is getting plenty of chances at Wolves and taking them.
“Scott is on fire at Birmingham and really looks like he is proving a point to himself never mind to anyone else after moving there on loan in the January window. We’ve watched Jason and James a lot in the Championship this season and it is good to see them on the scoresheet as well.
“I don’t care who gets the goals in Slovakia so long as we get goals and there are plenty of Irish players enjoying the goalscoring habit now which I’m sure everyone who wants that play-off win is delighted with, me included.”
