Republic of Ireland debutant Sean Maguire described earning his first cap for his country as the best feeling of his life.
Maguire was introduced as a second-half substitute to a standing ovation at the Aviva Stadium in Ireland’s 2-0 victory over Moldova. That win set up a must-win playoff decider against Wales on Monday.
The Preston North End player came into the game on the 83rd minute, replacing Shane Long and that moment represented the fulfilment of a lifetime ambition for the 23-year-old.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport after the game, he said: "It’s probably the best feeling of my life to this date, a proud moment for my family and for me of course.
"To get onto that pitch and finally make my first international cap was a dream come through."
Maguire had previously played at the Aviva Stadium in an FAI Cup final with Cork City but admitted that the step up to international football felt like a big jump.
"Once you get the ball to feet you know they’re going to be on top of you," he said. "You won’t have that chance to take that second or third touch and I found that out tonight.
"It was good to get a few touches, to get those five minutes. It’s hard to put into words. It’s just a big honour for me and my family."
Sean Maguire tells Tony O'Donoghue how making his international debut was the best moment of his life. pic.twitter.com/LX8anBoD4x
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 6, 2017
Maguire’s debut was all the more significant as he replaced Shane Long, a player he idolised growing up and someone who has taken the youngster under his wing in the international set-up.
When asked about what Long said to him as he came on, Maguire replied: "He just said go and enjoy it, go do your things. He’s been a great help for me these past couple of days, giving me tips and stuff.
"He’s a player that I looked up to from a young age, idolised him in every single way because I compare myself to him as a striker and what he is.
"He works hard, he scores goals and it was a strange but amazing feeling to come on the pitch for your idol."
