‘I've been patient pretty much my whole career' – Max O'Leary pleased with night's work after first Ireland senior cap at 28
O'Leary was first called in six years ago and had been an unused sub on 17 occasions before he was handed a start, at the age of 28, in the friendly away to Luxembourg, the Bristol man playing a part in that clean sheet with two top class saves.
"I know the quality we have in that department. We are really lucky. I'll do whatever I need to do and whatever I need to help,' he says, aware that managers are reluctant to throw in a keeper for a few minutes when an outfield player can easily do so to get game time.
'Anyone can play but it is rare to see a goalkeeper come on for a five, ten minute run around cameo. When you play you got to stick in there and make it your own. It is my job to push the boys.
'I've tried to be patient. I've been patient pretty much my whole career. I am a bit older now so I know how the game works – you come in and it is something different, being with the boys, different coaches and you can learn off great players as well.
"The group we have got is really good. Caoimh has been really great with me this week. So has Josh [Keeley]. We know there are other lads waiting as well, there is a good unit there.'
His parents were in Luxembourg to see him make his senior debut, O'Leary eligible via a Kerry grandparent.
"My family came. It was good to have some familiar faces in the crowd and to see them. He [Heimir Hallgrimsson] picked the team on Monday, so I knew but I actually said to them earlier in the week that there might be a chance. You don't know until it is confirmed. They took a risk and came over.
'It is unbelievable, a big occasion for me. I took it in my stride and just wanted to enjoy it more than anything, not think too much about the outcome, stay in the present, have a bit of fun out there and get a result for the team.'
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