Luton striker James Collins said it was an ‘absolutely amazing feeling’ to mark his Republic of Ireland debut with a goal in tonight’s 3-1 friendly win over Bulgaria.
The forward, who has scored 49 times in 99 appearances for the Hatters, helping them to back-to-back promotions, converted an Enda Stevens cross in the 86th minute.
Collins was hotly tipped to feature for the Boys in Green after striker David McGoldrick got injured in Thursday’s 1-1 Euro 2020 qualifying draw against Switzerland, but he was named on the substitutes’ bench.
However, he eventually replaced Stoke’s Scott Hogan on the hour before capping off a memorable evening in Dublin.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport after the game, Collins said: “It is an absolutely amazing feeling, to make my debut for my country and top it off with a goal and a win, I don’t think it could have gone any better.
“I am 28 now and had to work my way up. I’ve managed to force my way into the squad. The gaffer has shown great faith in me and I’m delighted I could pay him back with a goal tonight.
“The lads have great quality on the pitch, I just tried to do I’ve everything I could. I’m delighted to have managed to do that.”
Ireland boss Mick McCarthy said: “James Collins was different class. He’s come on and bashed the big centre half and he hated it and upset him. He gets the third goal so there are a lot of positives in there.
“I learned that James Collins is a proper centre forward, who runs in the channels, he can hold it up, which he did and then set it up for the goal.
“I’m delighted for James Collins, I really am. At 28, to come in the squad and play like he did, brilliant.”
