Norwich City midfielder Wes Hoolahan was relieved to have got a game with the Republic of Ireland last night under manager Giovanni Trapattoni and is hoping to become a regular in the side.
Hoolahan, who is 30, has only played twice before for the Boys in Green in spite of his recent spate of impressive performances in the Premier League for the Canaries.
"I have been waiting a few years for that," he said.
"I have had to wait a long time, the last two years I have played in the Premiership, but it's great to get my opportunity tonight."
However, the Dubliner didn't feel that he was being overlooked by the Italian who has been under pressure from many quarters to try out more of Ireland's young guns as well as Hoolahan.
"Obviously the lads in the squad have been excellent, they have been doing great, it has been hard to get into the squad.
"All I can do is my best and hopefully I can get into the squad regularly now."