McAteer thankful for goal-den opportunity
Sunday, 2 September 2001 17:25Republic of Ireland goal-hero Jason McAteer has publicly thanked Irish boss Mick McCarthy for giving him the chance to play in yesterday's memorable 1-0 victory over the Dutch at Lansdowne Road. McAteer is having a tough time at club level at the moment, after a falling-out with Blackburn manager Graeme Souness.
His troubles on the domestic front have affected his international prospects and since his wonderful goal against the Dutch in Amsterdam a year ago, the Scouser has been left on the periphery of the Republic's squad. However, thanks to a glut of injury problems for Mick McCarthy, McAteer was given his chance yesterday to prove himself all over again and he did not disappoint.
"Mick's demonstrated his faith in me by continually picking me for squads even though I've not been in the team at Blackburn. I know I only got into the side against Holland because of things that happened with injuries for this match but, hopefully, I've rewarded that faith now," he said after the game.
Despite his current difficulties at Blackburn, McAteer is hopeful that his differences with Souness can be overcome. "Maybe I've put myself in the shop window with that goal and my performance for Ireland but, hopefully, things can be resolved at Blackburn."
"Graeme Souness is a nice bloke away from football and perhaps we can get something sorted out. I hope so because I'm in the reserves and it is hard to come from that and play at international level. No disrespect to the lads who play in the reserves but I'm 30 and don't need the technique work any more," added McAteer.
"I've been to one World Cup with Ireland in America seven years ago. It was a great experience and I want to do it again because there's no greater stage but I need first-team football to win my international place regularly," he reasoned.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
