This time last year, Daryl Horgan has just scored in Richmond Park as Dundalk defeat St. Patrick's Athletic 4-0 on their way to another league title.
On Tuesday night, the 24-year-old, now with Preston North End, made his international debut alongside team mate Andy Boyle. The duo played half an hour, and both impressed, despite the 1-0 defeat.
Speaking to FAI TV, moments after coming off the field, Horgan said he was "immensely proud" to represent the national team for the first time.
"It's everyone's dream to make their [international] debut. To do it at home, in the Aviva was special. It was brilliant."
🎥 @FAIreland winger Daryl Horgan spoke to FAITV on his 'immense pride' after making his international debut!
What a journey it has been! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ZlaDNi0uPE
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) March 28, 2017
The introduction of Horgan and Boyle gained one of the loudest moments of the night in the stadium. The winger admitted it was nice to get the applause of more than 37,000 fans in attendance.
"It was very, very nice. I suppose there was a lot of League of Ireland heads in the crowd. They see me as one of their own. I played in the league for seven years. It's a nice bump for the league as well."
When asked, where he would like to see his international career go in the future, Horgan jokingly added that he wanted "150 caps, and to go to a World Cup".
"I want to try and become part of the furniture, and try and keep adding to my caps."
Horgan returns to The Championship this weekend, where Preston North End will look to try and continue their push for the Play-Offs. They play Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
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