THE LAST HALF-HOUR SEEMED AN ETERNITY
the campaign after winning efforts in Moldova and Austria. Ireland withstood early pressure before hitting Wales on a counterattack just before the hour mark. McClean declared: ‘A lot of people wrote us off and didn’t give us a chance — so we’ll enjoy this now.’ Of his goal — a first-time blast from Jeff Hendrick’s cross — he added: ‘I remember it just coming across, it was a great dummy by Harry Arter and as it was coming across I just said “Keep it down”. ‘That feeling when it hit the back of the net — there’s no better feeling on a football pitch. But it’ll mean nothing if we don’t go and qualify now.’ O’Neill added: ‘I’m so proud of the players, they were magnificent. We were playing away from home against a strong Wales side, so to come here and win is great. ‘The last half hour seemed an eternity. But I’ve never doubted the character of the players, that’s instilled in them. We might lack a few things but courage is not one of them. ‘In different matches, sometimes we can do better with the ball. But trying to qualify for the World Cup is a monumental task.’ The Republic of Ireland now enter next Tuesday’s draw for the two-legged play-offs, to be held on November 9-11 and 12-14. Also definitely in the draw at the moment are Italy, Denmark, Croatia and Northern Ireland. ‘I don’t think everybody would want to play us,’ said O’Neill, whose captain, Everton full back Seamus Coleman, could be fit to feature in those games after seven months out with a broken leg. ‘Do I fear teams in it? Absolutely,’ added O’Neill. ‘That’s the best way to be. But then we go out and beat them.’