Goal hero Robbie Brady savours prospect of Paul Pogba reunion

Tears welling up in his eyes, Robbie Brady paused to reaffirm Ireland’s tendency of thriving in the face of adversity. It’s hardly surprising the trend has surged since his arrival on the scene given the personal history he’s endured in overcoming the odds.

Brady’s delivery of the late winner against Italy on Wednesday propelled Ireland into the last 16 of Euro 2016 and his own name into the satchel of major tournament moments. Ray Houghton, Kevin Sheedy, Packie Bonner, and Robbie Keane have new company.

Since he was tipped for stardom as an early teen, playing for the same St Kevin’s Boys club as his namesake Liam, the Dubliner was destined for interventions like the header supplied in Lille to slay the Italians.