In May 2010 a teenager named Shane Duffy switched allegiance from Northern Ireland to the Republic. The Derry centre half was instantly added to the national training squad when a tragedy struck that almost took away his life never mind his career.

In what was described as a freak accident, Duffy required emergency surgery at the Mater, performed by Gerry McEntee, after lacerating his liver following a collision with goalkeeper Adrian Walsh.

Full international

Six days later Duffy walked out of hospital, 10 weeks on and he resumed playing football, within two years he was back in the senior Ireland squad, last night he was the standout performer in only his second full international.

“I was more ready now then I when I played two years ago,” said the 24-year-old.

“I’ve enjoyed it, playing in front of the Irish fans for the first time, I had goosebumps out there. It’s something I have often dreamed about.”

What’s different two years on?

“Ah, just consistency. I am playing regularly [for Blackburn Rovers] and maturing as a centre half. The way I play, the more games I play the better I get. I was slightly raw two years ago, I still am, but listen I am playing every weekend, I am enjoying it, I am thriving coming in here. I am just trying to impress the manager and the players. You never know.”

You never know but Paul McShane’s chances of going to the Euros this summer just suffered a significant setback.

“I’m probably miles off it,” Duffy protested. “The manager probably has got his squad picked, I don’t know, all you can do is get your chance. Hopefully I have done something for him.

“I just tried to go out there, pull the shirt on for Ireland and perform. It was a proud day.

“Listen, everyone here wants to play but the lads who have got us to the Euros are obviously there.

“They have done all the hard work so you can’t just come in and take the shirt. I got to bide my time and if it isn’t this one hopefully it is the next campaign. . .”

But he just might have. It would be no harm to take another look at his mobile 6ft 4in inch frame working in tandem with Ciaran Clark, who he set up for the only goal in this 1-0 victory, on Tuesday against Slovakia.

“Aw, it’s only one game but it was good. We clicked. He plays on the left, I play on the right. We got so many good centre halves here it is hard to get close to the squad. .

“After that you want to just go again. I didn’t want to come off to be honest I was enjoying it so much. I wish we played a bit better second half but defensively it was good of me to put a bit of pressure on.

Duffy’s Donegal captain liked what he saw.

“I thought Shane was brilliant,” said Séamus Coleman. “The centre halves have been very good this campaign so it’s a big decision for the manager.”