Luton hotshot James Collins tonight scored on his senior Republic of Ireland debut to help them to a 3-1 friendly victory over Bulgaria in Dublin.
The striker, who was named as a substitute, replaced Stoke’s Scott Hogan in the 60th minute and made his mark in the 86th minute, lunging to convert an Enda Stevens cross.
His strike, eight years after a debut hat-trick for Ireland’s Under-21s, was instantly praised by Luton Town players and staff. Former player, coach, assistant, manager and now chief recruitment officer, Mick Harford and Irish defender Alan Sheehan were among the first to congratulate him.
Collins is the first Hatter to win an Irish cap since Ashley Grimes in 1988 and, according to Luton commentator Simon Pitts, becomes the first Luton player to score a full international goal since Warren Feeney scored for Northern Ireland against Portugal in 2005.
Congratulations Mr Collins that goal was taken like a true international striker COYH ✌️