Kilbane hails heroes and sets sights on travelling to finals
Kevin Kilbane, an ever present in the first-half of the successful Euro qualification campaign, was back in the thick of it for last night’s action at the personal invitation of Giovanni Trapattoni.
But while Kilbane’s coat wore the FAI logo, he was otherwise suited and booted like every other fan in the stadium. In tandem with the Green Army, Kilbane is thinking of a trip to Poland and the Ukraine next June. And his message to Trappatoni was still a defiant one. He has boots of a football variety and would love to travel.
“I’ve love to go, but I’m here in a supporting capacity and to enjoy,” smiled Kilbane as the celebrations ran late into the night.
“I don’t know what will happen. I’ve not been picked in this Ireland squad and it’s going to be difficult to get back in.
“I’ve been left out of this one and the manager is now looking at other players. It’s not really at the forefront of my mind.”
An admiring Kilbane paid tribute to the defence he was part of for so long on a night that saw them concede a goal for only the second time in 11 games.
“We went through the last campaign unbeaten and that gave us the confidence that we could qualify this time,” added Kilbane, now playing his club football at Derby County.
“We had a setback against Russia at the Aviva Stadium last year and I think that set us back for the Slovakia game a few days later.
“After that we pushed on and we were confident we could qualify. We have been outstanding at the back. We’ve not conceded many goals, we’ve been solid at the back and to score four goals on Friday was brilliant.
“We’re now back at a major competition where we need to be.”
Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne said sealing qualification to the finals in Poland and Ukraine ranked as his finest moment in the game.
“It’s the best experience I’ve probably had in football,” he told Sky Sports.
“We’ve walked around Lansdowne Road a few times with nothing to show for it at the end of campaigns, so to qualify here I think is special for everyone.
“Everybody wants to play in a major tournament and now to have the opportunity is going to be great, but I think for everyone in the squad it’s about enjoying tonight and enjoying the qualification.”
Goalscorer Stephen Ward added: “It’s a great night. We’re disappointed not to have won the game but if you told us we’d have won 5-1 and qualified...
“It’s a dream come true and we’re absolutely delighted.”
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