Jeff Hendrick praised the spirit shown by the Republic of Ireland as they claimed second spot in Group D with a smash-and-grab raid against Wales in Cardiff.
James McClean scored the only goal of the game in the 57th minute as Martin O’Neill’s men became the first side to win on Welsh soil in four years, bagging themselves a World Cup playoff place in the process.
Burnley midfielder Hendrick told Sky Sports: “It was hard work, we knew it would be, but we always said that once we had one game it’s a do-or-die and when it comes to the big games this group of lads show up.
“I think everybody that plays us knows they are in for a hard game. We might not pass the ball as much as other countries but we’ve got the spirit and it’s great to do it for the fans.
“We’ve got two big games, we’ve just got to keep going and we’ve got to show that spirit again.”
