STEPHEN Quinn says the battle for his Ireland place has been vital to his progress as a footballer.
Talking ahead of Ireland’s Euro 2016 qualifying match against Gibraltar on Saturday, the tenacious Hull City midfielder said: “The reality is that throughout my career, I have been in a battle. Nothing has ever come easily for me.
“And everyone knows how much the Georgia game meant to me, with my parents passing away over the last number of years. It was a proud moment for me and my family. I had worked so hard to get there.
“I was 28 getting my first qualifying game so it was a hard road, a long road but I never doubted myself.”
One of a number of Premier League starters among the ranks, Quinn had been an intrinsic cog for Sheffield United only a few years ago battling in League One against such teams as Brentford and Wycombe Wanderers.
His transition to a competitive Hull City side that now face established Premier League outfits week-in-week-out, has been seamless, and Quinn, more so than anyone, appears determined to maintain a first-team place for both his club and country.
“You can never give up on your dream,” he said. “We have plenty of lads across the water who would give an arm and a leg to put the green jersey on so you just dig deep and keep going.
“Every young lad should keep plugging away if they get a setback or two and believe that if you work hard enough the chance will come.”
Admitting Ireland know little about tomorrow’s Group D counterparts Gibraltar, Quinn expects a frustrating encounter, but hopes some of Ireland’s star turns, particularly Aiden McGeady and Robbie Keane, can provide the team with some vital inspiration and a crucial second win.
