Wednesday 15 October 2014 14:02, UK
Niall Quinn pays tribute to John O'Shea following the defender's last-gasp goal in Germany - and hails his crucial role for the Republic of Ireland...
John O'Shea not only marked his 100th cap with the goal that saw Republic of Ireland draw 1-1 with Germany, but has become an on-field leader.
That was the verdict of former international team-mate Niall Quinn, who watched his nation come from behind in the Euro 2016 qualifier to snatch a point against the world champions.
O'Shea's goal, in stoppage time, was only his third for Ireland but was enough to secure a 1-1 draw and keep the side in second spot in Group D, ahead of Germany.
And even though they left it so late, Quinn was hardly surprised to see the experienced centre-back come up with the crucial goal.
"It's brilliant for him," he told Sky Sports."We talked about his career earlier and he is highly-decorated in his own right.
"He wasn't brought to the World Cup as a youngster in 2002, which many people questioned... but all those years on it is hugely fitting that he scored such an important goal.
"He's taken the mantle of the leader of that Ireland side and he's bought into everything Martin O'Neill brought to the team. He leads by example and I am thrilled for him."
Quinn was also quick to point out the changes in approach that O'Neill and assistant Roy Keane have brought in.
Last month they picked up a qualifying win in Georgia with another last-minute goal and now they have repeated their performance against Germany.
"It is a terrific result," said Quinn. "They got a late goal against Georgia and now they have got another one.
"It's a great trait to have in your team and the fans will be so happy, out there and at home. They never said die, they kept going. They might even have scored a little bit earlier when [Wes] Hoolahan had his chance.
"Martin O'Neill has put together a committed side, a totally motivated side and they never put their heads down when they went a goal behind - they went looking for the equaliser and they deserved it."
Quinn also suggested that a lack of confidence following the 2-0 defeat to Poland at the weekend also played a part in Germany's struggle.
And former German midfielder Dietmar Hamann admitted that despite going ahead thanks to Toni Kroos' goal, the home side paid the price of an almost arrogant approach to taking the lead.
"You always though they had the approach that they are never going to score against us [Germany] - but they got punished," said Hamann.
"You've got to say Ireland deserved a draw."
