'I'm very happy to get on the scoresheet again' - Tommy Lonergan

Tommy Lonergan was the hero for Ireland Under-21s as the Waterford FC striker fired home the winning goal in a thrilling victory over Kazakhstan, capping another memorable night in what has been a breakthrough international window for the forward.

Having opened his Under-21 account against Slovakia only days earlier, Lonergan followed it up with an even more decisive contribution, netting the goal that ultimately secured three precious points and kept Ireland firmly in contention heading into next week's crucial clash with England at Munster FA Turner's Cross Stadium.

The winning strike was all the more significant given the dramatic nature of the contest. Ireland found themselves behind after just 20 seconds but showed tremendous resilience to battle back and eventually emerge victorious in a game packed with twists and turns.

Reflecting on the result, Lonergan admitted Ireland were not as fluent as they had been in the victory over Slovakia, but stressed that the result was all that mattered, with his penalty four minutes from the finish the difference.

“Yeah, it was a brilliant game,” he said. “I feel like we probably weren't at it as much as we were against Slovakia, but at the end of the day I think it's just about getting the win and giving ourselves that chance against England next week.

“I'm absolutely delighted and we showed great character today.” 

Ireland were rocked by the early setback but responded impressively, moving in front before Kazakhstan fought their way back into the game. Lonergan felt the match was a highly entertaining spectacle, even if both teams contributed to a chaotic encounter.

“As I said earlier, I think it was a very good game for the neutral. I feel like there were a lot of mistakes on both ends, but it wasn't ideal to go down 1-0 after 20 seconds. We did show great character and we showed great quality at the top end.

“They pitched a score of four goals today and I thought Jamie Mullins was excellent.” 

Lonergan was also pleased to add his name to the scoresheet again after opening his Under-21 account against Slovakia earlier in the camp.

“Yeah, I was decent as well,” he joked. “I was very happy to get on the scoresheet as well. I was just very happy to get it over the line.

“I feel like it probably wasn't our best performance today, but I thought Kazakhstan were outstanding. I thought they were a much better team than they were last time, so they really gave it their all and we were just delighted to get it over the line.” 

The goal continues a memorable spell in green for the striker, who revealed before the camp that one of his targets was to score his first goal at Under-21 level.

“Obviously I think I was saying to someone before the camp that I wanted to get my first Under-21 goal and I've obviously got two now,” he said.

“So hopefully I make that three or four next week against England and it'll be a really good camp.” Lonergan is also looking forward to returning to club action with Waterford FC, with a huge contest against Bohemians looming on the domestic calendar.

When it was suggested he could save some goals for that fixture, he replied: “Yeah, I'll save the three or four against Bohemians and get ourselves into the final and give a good day out to the Blues fans.

“So yeah, don't worry, I'll be fit and ready as well for them.” 

The striker believes the international camp has marked an important step forward in his development and says his confidence continues to grow with every appearance.

“It's been a really good experience. I feel like I'm growing in confidence and really believing in myself and showing people what I can do and what I'm about.

“Obviously to do it at Under-21 level with Ireland is something I've always wanted to do and really grasp. I feel like I've really taken this opportunity with both hands and I won't let it go.

“I'll keep going and keep getting better and keep doing people proud.”