Quinn so proud after finally getting chance to wear the green

For the vast majority, Sunday evening’s friendly against Georgia was a forgettable outing, shorn of any competitive edge, but you’d be hard pushed to convey such a sense of insignificance to Stephen Quinn.

Over six years since he was first part of the senior setup, Quinn finally put his hands on a cap by coming on as a 75th minute substitute for Wes Hoolahan. Back in February 2007, as a fresh-faced 20-year-old, the Dubliner was named in the extended squad to face San Marino in a Euro 2008 qualifier, but never made an appearance.

Since then, he has been a constant performer in England and although he plummeted from the Premier League to League One with Sheffield United, before ascending up the ranks again with Hull City, the past 12 months have been his best.

Having courted interest from various clubs while at United, Steve Bruce eventually coaxed him away from the Steel City. On Humberside, he excelled and played a crucial role, as one-quarter of Hull’s Irish contingent, in bringing them back to the Premier League last month. At the end of a long, hard campaign, his first Irish appearance is the icing on the cake.

“It was a bit of a monkey on my back, to be honest. I’ve been waiting all my life for this first cap, so to get it is a great feeling. To play with such legends as Robbie Keane and Richard Dunne before they end their careers was a real honour.”

Was there ever a moment, especially when club-mates Paul McShane, Robbie Brady and Dave Meyler were being selected, where he doubted his day would ever come?

“I never did. Obviously I was a bit disheartened when the squads were being announced because I felt I was playing some good football.

“Sometimes it was hard, but then watching the lads, David Meyler, Paul McShane, and Robbie Brady, I was delighted for those boys because I play with them week in, week out and I know they are top players. It was just a bit disheartening when they got picked and were going away with Ireland and I wasn’t.”

He might have close to 300 club appearances to his name, but Quinn has no problem acknowledging that some Irish fans in attendance on Sunday evening might have been unsure of his background. It’s something he plans to change though, perhaps even emulating Wes Hoolahan.

“Maybe some people still didn’t even know who I was when I came on,” he said. “Hopefully that can change in the Premier League next season. Maybe I can be a bit like Weso and be a latecomer.”

As for staying in the squad, the 27-year-old reckons his form with Hull come August will be key to keeping him involved.

“My club football is very important and it’s all about the Premier League now. If I can play well for Hull in the Premier League, then hopefully I will get the opportunity to get into more squads and stay in the manager’s thoughts.”