Graham Burke becomes first League of Ireland player to score for Ireland in 40 years
COYBIG.
Shamrock Rovers player Graham Burke has become the first League of Ireland player to score for Ireland in 40 years.
Burke scored his first international goal in a friendly at the Aviva on Saturday night, equalising the score to 1-1 against the States.
WATCH:@ShamrockRovers man Graham Burke bags his first International goal to make it 1-1 at the Aviva!
It's probably the easiest goal he's scored this season, but what a moment for the 24 year old!#IRLUSA #COYBIG #LOI pic.twitter.com/zi2sYRFjOd— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 2, 2018
The 24-year-old has been juggling both club and international commitments this month, with Ireland boss Martin O'Neill mentioning during the week that he was keen to keep him fresh for the USA friendly at the Aviva.
This meant he had to miss the Shamrock Rovers' game against Dundalk in Tallaght on Friday.
Burke won his first Republic of Ireland cap in Monday’s defeat to France.
The last player to do this was fellow Shamrock Rovers man Ray Treacy back in 1978.
Graham Burke becomes the first LOI player to score for Ireland since Shamrock Rovers' Ray Treacy in a 4-2 win over Turkey at Lansdowne Road in April 1978. He scored twice and missed a penalty. Rovers clubmate John Giles had scored the opening goal as wellhttps://t.co/eyTUaov4mH
— Karl Reilly (@HistoryLOI) June 2, 2018
Republic of Ireland fans have been praising the young sportsman's efforts online.
This day last year Graham Burke got sent off for Rovers against Pats stupidly and some wanted him gone from the club that night. One year on and he has scored for Ireland on his first start and third game in the space of two weeks... Delighted for him #KOH #COYBIG https://t.co/dpbY1Gsxnw
— Ryan ⭐⭐ (@RyanLagrue_) June 2, 2018
Very impressive first start by Graham Burke. Looked very comfortable and took up some great positions without getting the ball
— Geoff Dunne (@gdunne1972) June 2, 2018
Saturday's game also saw sporting icon John O'Shea play for the final time in green. The Waterford-native left the pitch at the 33rd minute to raucous applause in wake of his final game.
O'Shea is set to retire as one of Ireland's most decorated players, appearing over 250 times for Manchester United, claiming several Premier League titles during his time at the club, and, of course, lifting a Champions League trophy.
