Johnston: ‘We wanted to get a result, but it wasn’t to be’

TRICKY CUSTOMER: Ireland's Mikey Johnston with Joe Bell and Matt Garbett of New Zealand. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

After a super individual first half showing, Mikey Johnston was named player of the match in tonight’s 1-1 draw with New Zealand.

But like the European Championship campaign, the Republic of Ireland senior squad did not deliver in front of a crowd of less than 27,000 at the Aviva Stadium.

“Obviously was happy to be on the pitch and contribute. I had a bit of fun out there. And I enjoyed myself. We wanted to get a result, but it wasn’t to be.” 

He conceded that the hosts let the visitors back into the contest at the Aviva after taking the lead.

“They are a good side. I thought we played some good football. A lot of us haven’t played this year in the team. The manager wanted to give players game time. They’ve been loyal to the squad and not playing games. So, there were a lot of boys who got opportunities tonight that they deserved.” Struggling for fitness, and a lack of starts at Celtic so far this season, the winger mused he might have made a difference for the Euro campaign which ended in failure.

“I would have liked to have thought so. I think the boys have been absolutely amazing. When you look at it, we’ve probably had the toughest group out of anyone."

Johnston stressed: "Realistically, we’ve got France, Greece, and the Netherlands. Obviously, we would have looked to have taken more points. We knew we had to win games that we didn’t. But I think there’s so much positive to take from this group of players.”