As you would expect, Martin O’Neill was in great form after tonight’s match.
The Republic of Ireland manager had just watched his side deservedly beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 and secure a place at Euro 2016.
When asked in the post-match press conference whether his 90th minute substitution of Glenn Whelan for John O’Shea was a way to give his captain a round of applause from the crowd, O’Neill said that it was, in fact, a tactical switch.
In addition to the added aerial presence provided by O’Shea, O’Neill said he took off Whelan because “he’s generally the slowest to get off the field,” before making fun of the midfielder’s goalscoring record.
“I’d John going in and possibly heading some (away), and they were throwing three centre-forwards on with a couple of minutes to go,” the Ireland manager said.
“Glenn always thinks he’s the one who’s being taken off”, O’Neill said, “but…Glenn hasn’t scored in 44 years.”
O’Neill revealed Whelan “got the hump” when he was withdrawn, but O’Neill said the player should be proud to have been captain tonight.
We reckon the Stoke midfielder has cheered up by now.
