The Republic of Ireland edged out Wales in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Cardiff with Hull City midfielder David Meyler the stand-out performer.
No one summed up the spirit of the Irish on Monday night quite like David Meyler.
While the elated expression of matchwinner James McClean will be plastered across the press up and down the land, the Hull City midfielder was the true standout performer as Martin O’Neill’s side scraped the most dramatic of 1-0 wins at Wales’ Cardiff City Stadium.
Meyler was simply outstanding the centre of the park, delivering a performance fit for the occasion. Energetic, tenacious and wearing his heart stitched onto his sleeve, the 28-year-old did his nation proud with the captain’s armband clasped around his bicep.
As a result, the Republic of Ireland will be contesting a play-off for the 2018 World Cup while Wales, semi-finalists at Euro 2016, fell at the final hurdle.
And needless to say Hull City supporters pledged their allegiance to the Irish for the night – if only out of respect to the fans’ favourite midfielder.
Meyler has only started six Championship games for Leonid Slutsky this season but, on the back of this performance, fans are even clamouring for the former Sunderland midfielder to be handed the captaincy.
Anyone who watched his inspirational performance on Monday night will know why.
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