An overjoyed Aiden O'Brien said he wants to lead the Republic of Ireland line for years to come after scoring on his full international debut against Poland.
The Millwall frontman nodded home Callum O'Dowda's cross in the second half in Wroclaw, with the hosts nicking a late equaliser through Mateusz Klich.
Nonetheless, it was a night to remember for O'Brien, who could not contain his elation after the final whistle.
"To get the start I was over the moon and my family was so proud of me," he told RTÉ Sport.
"I just wanted to get out there and work my socks off, give everything for the badge and for the nation. I've topped it off with a goal. I'm speechless! I'm going to go home, see my family and celebrate.
"I was relaxed out there. I just gave everything for the nation - long may it continue.
"I'm here to be counted. One day I want to be leading the line for Ireland. I want to be here for the long run. Hopefully I've made a statement. I don't want my standards to drop in my club football or my national team."
After a tough week it was a much-needed lift for Ireland.
O'Brien insisted the group are as tight as ever though and hopes they can underline that in their next Nations League game against Denmark.
"It's a great togetherness in this camp, lots of banter and laughs. Everyone sticks together in everything we do.
"The Irish have always had that togetherness. It will never change. We bounced back today. We were solid. We picked our times and when to sit off. I felt we were really solid. Hopefully we can bring that into the Denmark game."
