Reading defender Alex Pearce described his goalscoring debut for the Republic of Ireland in Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Oman as a “proud” moment.
Oxfordshire-born Pearce, 23, came on at half time, and scored a late goal to round off a special night for him. He told BBC Sport:
“I was very proud. All the family were there to watch me, it was a very proud night. I was not even expecting to get on, so to play the second half and win and also score a goal was very pleasing.”
Goals from Shane Long, Robbie Brady, Kevin Doyle and Pearce sealed victory for Giovanni Trapattoni’s under-strength side at Craven Cottage. Pearce continued:
“I got the nod as the whistle blew for half-time, the assistant manager [Marco Tardelli] said ‘get warm you’re coming on’. I didn’t have too much time to worry about it. I was just nervous and excited. You just want to get your debut out the way and make sure you do alright and show why you are there really.”
Despite scoring and winning, Pearce said he was disappointed to concede a goal with Eid Al Farsi scoring for the Asian side. The Republic included former Reading players Long, Doyle and Simon Cox, and Pearce said that helped him settle in. “It was a bit like a Reading reunion, it was great to see the lads and that made me feel very welcome,” he said.
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