Niall Quinn: Ireland starting to believe World Cup spot is possible
Monday 14 November 2016 08:39, UK
Niall Quinn says the Republic of Ireland are starting to believe World Cup qualification is possible after their victory over Austria helped them maintain their unbeaten start.
The odds of reaching the 2018 tournament in Russia were stacked against Ireland when they were drawn in a group alongside Wales, Serbia and Austria.
However, Ireland's 1-0 victory in Vienna on Saturday sent them top of Group D, having secured 10 points from their opening four games.
And while Quinn admits that Ireland's start has come as a shock, he said Martin O'Neill's ability to get the best out of his players is the reason why they are in such a strong position.
"It has taken me by surprise because it's a really tough group," Quinn said. "Even Serbia look good and suddenly there's four teams in it so it's going to be difficult.
"But O'Neill has got a clique going on now. They all believe and the motivation he has brought into that side, and the way that they're bringing it out in performances, means we're starting to believe ourselves.
"I honestly think fans are of the opinion that the perfect man is managing this team, and that there's another trip on its way in two summers' time."
Ireland's victory over Austria was their first since 1963, and they had James McClean to thank after the West Brom winger netted in the second half.
McClean is viewed as a divisive figure - predominantly down to his decision not wear a poppy around Remembrance Day - but Quinn believes the 27-year-old has matured as both a man and a player.
"James wasn't afraid to come out and say we have to kick on and win the group now, others would just be cautious," said Quinn.
"He's as honest as you like, people might disagree with his political principles, but the lad gives absolutely everything he's got.
"He's starting to get clever with it and understand the game more. His work-rate is always superb, he works so hard up and down that left side in every game he plays.
"He's now reading things better, and he saw that opportunity open up as soon as [David] Meyler took the ball. What a ball from Wes [Hoolahan], but still a lot of work to do, and James is playing like a player who just wants more of that now."
Quinn's praise led fellow Sky Sports pundit Dean Saunders to remind the ex-Sunderland chairman of how he first brought McClean to England in 2011.
"I signed him in a pub, that's not to say he's a pub player - but his agent met me in a pub," Quinn added.
"It's one of those things, it's great. To see his career develop and blossom, he's had a few bumps to try and get over - but it's going well for him.
"There's no better feeling. To think that he's gone away to Austria tonight and has scored the winner for his country in such a big game, that's fantastic for him."
