JAMES MCCLEAN was the toast of Irishmen and woman worldwide tonight with the golden goal against Wales that booked Ireland a place in the World Cup play-off’s.
The bhoy from Derry scored the only goal of the game tonight at the Cardiff Stadium to book second spot for Martin O’Neill’s side.
After a storming start to the campaign things went flat for Ireland but they came good with wins in the last two matches to clinch second place.
James McClean, you absolute dancer. How about that step over from Harry Arter?!? #WALIRL #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/75hDzigE9L
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 9, 2017
Wales were favourites to prevail but with Shane Long, Jon Walters and Seamus Coleman looking on from the sidelines O’Neill came up with a tactical masterplan spearheaded by former Celt Daryl Murphy.
The homeside dominated first half possession but rarely threatened Darren Randolph’s goal.
Ireland pushed up higher in the second half with McClean drilling home a low shot from 12 yards out in the 57th minute.
Shane Duffy and David Meyler, two men that are never slow to show their support for Celtic, were immense in the centre of defence as Wales reverted to the high ball.
Despite six minutes of stoppage time Wales couldn’t force an equaliser with 4,000 Irish fans celebrating long into the night.
The draw for the play-off’s will take place on Tuesday giving O’Neill and Ireland the opportunity to follow up on qualifying for Euro 2016 with a place in the World Cup Finals in Russia.
