Graham Burke becomes first League of Ireland player to score for Ireland in 40 years 5 years ago

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.

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Burke scored his first international goal in a friendly at the Aviva on Saturday night, equalising the score to 1-1 against the States.

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.

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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.

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Republic of Ireland fans have been praising the young sportsman's efforts online.

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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.