Goal-scoring hero Robbie Brady says he almost feels sorry for anyone who isn’t from Ireland as he already looks forward to World Cup qualification.
Brady was bowled over by the support both at home and in France that the Republic of Ireland got throughout Euro 2016.
And despite Sunday’s 2-1 last-16 elimination by hosts and tournament favourites France, he is already looking forward to the qualification for Russia 2018, which starts away to Serbia on September 5.
“The fans, they’ve been unbelievable and they’ve done everyone proud. I almost feel sorry for people who aren’t from Ireland.
“What a fantastic country and to perform so well on a big stage for a small country is amazing. To stand there and see the fans at the end, and to listen to them is amazing.
Brady finished as Ireland’s to goal-scorer at Euro 2016 with two, including his match-winner against Italy in Group E which put the Boys in Green through to the knock-out stages.
But his main thoughts in the aftermath of the France game was the disappointment of tournament elimination.
“I think we all put in 100 per cent effort like we do in every game and we let it slip a little bit in the second half. We’re all just very disappointed at the minute," admitted the Dubliner.
“We let slip a fantastic opportunity, but we can’t fault anyone. It has been an amazing journey and already I can’t wait for the World Cup to come.
"They had a little bit more going forward than us. It’s hard to look back on it now, my head is a little bit not-with-it. Like I said, we’re all a bit disappointment.”
Following on from his historic header against Italy, Brady showed cool composure as he fired Ireland into an early lead against France.
His second minute penalty, after Shane Long was fouled, rattled the inside of the right post before nestling in the net.
“I felt confident. I’ve been taking them and I’ve been confident taking them. I was getting as close to that feeling I had the other night (against Italy) - I wanted that feeling again.”
Ireland led for nearly an hour, but it couldn’t last as Antoine Griezmann’s double and Shane Duffy’s red card - all in ten second half minutes - finished off Ireland’s hopes.
