Harry Arter feels a change of system as well as Martin O'Neill's team-talk reaped dividends during Ireland's 1-0 World Cup qualifier win in Austria.
The Bournemouth midfielder was making his competitive debut for Ireland in Vienna after injuries had previously meant that he had only worn an Irish jersey in friendlies.
Arter took on a deeper role in the improved second half for the team.
"I felt the change of system probably helped us in a way," he told Newstalk's Nathan Murphy after the game.
"I felt we got control of the game a little bit more chances-wise. David Meyler, when he came on, was brilliant. I felt we kept them at bay quite easily."
He also credited Martin O'Neill's half-time message for the boost that the Boys in Green got immediately after the break which was the period in which James McClean scored the winning goal.
"I think the manager's team talk at half-time, he wasn't too happy with us and rightly so. He got a reaction which is what he's paid to do. He has to get a reaction out of the players and thankfully he got that," said Arter, who admitted that they didn't perform to their optimum but were able to come out in the second half, "let down their guard and attack the game".
And the midfielder was delighted that a first competitive performance ended up with a positive result.
"Yeah, really pleased. It was always going to be a big moment for myself making my competitive debut. But in the back of my mind, I always wanted it to come with a win and I felt tonight was going to be a tough game. But I'm delighted with the three points," he said.
"I feel much more part of the group this time than I have in previous times and really enjoyed it this time round and wish there was another game next week."
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