Seamus Coleman lavished praise on Chiedozie Ogbene after Ireland's 2-2 draw with Belgium.
Chiedozie Ogbene doesn't belong at Rotherham.
He has now played six games for Ireland, he's played against some of the better teams in international football in those games too. And in each performance he has outperformed players who play at the highest club level. He's an intelligent, explosive player who plays on the wing but understands how to drift into the box and the opposite channel.
Ogbene scored a great goal to equalize for Ireland when they were 1-0 down. And then he set up Alan Browne's equalizer when they were 2-1 down.
While today's game wasn't an example of a peak Ireland performance, it was a reminder of the importance of Stephen Kenny. Ogbene would not have played for Martin O'Neill, Mick McCarthy or Giovanni Trappatoni. Trappatoni probably wouldn't even know he existed.
But now he's starting and starring for Ireland. That is because Kenny is instilling belief in his team. Seamus Coleman explained that belief and how it impacted today's result during his interview with Sky Sports after the game.
"Even at 2-1, we felt like we were going to get a second," Coleman said.
"We said it to each other a few of us, keep believing and we'll get a goal. The atmosphere was brilliant as well. We could have went on to win the game as well, but listen they're a top team so we're happy with our performance."
And then he spoke specifically about Ogbene.
For Seamus Coleman to compliment someone's footballing ability, it's a big deal. But Coleman didn't really touch on how good Ogbene is on the field. Instead, he changed the question he was asked and addressed Ogbene's character, his personality and his passion for his country/team.
"First and foremost to me, credit to his parents for the way they brought him up. He's an absolute star. Great lad around the place, respect, manners. He's happy to be here and working hard. An absolute diamond. You can see he would do anything for his country by the way he performs.
"He's been fantastic for us. So long may that continue."
Coleman praising you for how you carry yourself is like Antoine Dupont praising your ability to play scrum half.
WATCH: Chiedozie Ogbene scored a bicycle kick against Belgium
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