Kasey McAteer says he’s “over the moon” to mark his first Republic of Eire begin with a objective of their 1-1 pleasant draw with Senegal on Friday.
Eire regarded set to earn a win on the Aviva Stadium however couldn’t maintain out towards Senegal’s second-half strain.
McAteer scored a deserved opener for the hosts within the twenty first minute, pouncing on the rebound of his personal saved header to fireplace into the empty web.
Senegal, who have been with out key gamers in Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Nicolas Jackson, improved after the break, with Caoimhin Kelleher, who not too long ago secured a transfer to Brentford, proving his value.
He made a shocking fingertip save to show Krepin Diatta’s header onto the crossbar and staunchly protected his clear sheet.
Nonetheless, Kelleher was ultimately crushed within the 82nd minute – the goalkeeper denied Cherif Ndiaye however couldn’t react rapidly sufficient as substitute Ismaila Sarr fired within the equaliser.
McAteer, who grew to become simply the third Leicester Metropolis participant to attain for Eire, was delighted to get on the scoresheet.
“I’m over the moon. I feel you may inform by my celebrations that it was like a dream come true,” McAteer mentioned to RTE 2.
“It was my first begin on the Aviva, and I hope for a lot of extra, and it was good to get on the scoresheet.
“It’s a disgrace we couldn’t maintain on to get the win, however Senegal are a extremely good group, and we’ll take it in our stride.”
This was Eire’s first attract 12 video games, with their earlier 11 video games both wins (5) or losses (six).
It was additionally the primary for Heimir Hallgrimsson, who took cost of his ninth sport with the nation.
He was stuffed with reward for McAteer, who completed with a team-high 0.7 anticipated objectives (xG). He additionally had two photographs on course, and 6 touches within the opposition field, additionally the best amongst his team-mates.
“Kasey McAteer had a extremely good efficiency at the moment,” he advised RTE 2.
“You at all times put out some questions if you play video games like this, and also you get solutions. That’s the purpose to get solutions. Some are good, and a few are unhealthy.
“He confirmed a whole lot of confidence, and he took gamers on and obtained the objective because the reward. I’m actually completely happy for him.”