Ireland under-21 star Conor Noss expressed his joy after making his home Bundesliga debut for Borussia Moenchengladbach at the weekend.
The 21-year-old played the final half hour of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Mainz at Borussia-Park, his second senior appearance for the club.
Attacking midfielder Noss was introduced in place of Lars Stindl with the home side 1-0 up thanks to a first-half strike from Swiss international Breel Embolo.
Mainz salvaged a draw thanks to a strike from Austrian striker Kevin Onisiwo and Borussia were grateful to goalkeeper Yann Sommer for keeping it at 1-1.
Dusseldorf citizen Noss, who qualifies for Ireland through his Dublin mother, made his debut as a late sub in a 4-0 win away to Greuther Furth in November.
Speaking to the club’s media team after the game, Noss reflected on his feelings stepping out in front of a packed home stadium.
He said: “It makes me really happy to have played my second game. It’s a reward for the hard work that I invest every day.
“I can feel the trust of the coaching team and I’ve always got good feedback in recent weeks. I was well prepared and of course I was really happy that I got the chance.
“I was lucky to make my Bundesliga debut against Greuther Fürth in front of 38,000 fans. That was a similar atmosphere then, but of course, a full Borussia-Park is tough to top.”
Noss, who has represented Ireland all through the age grades but is open to switching to his country of birth, came on at a crucial point in the game.
Mainz levelled just five minutes after his introduction as he joined Alassane Plea in a front three just behind Embolo. A stern defensive effort earned Gladbach a point but they missed out on a chance to leapfrog Bochum into eleventh spot in the 20-team league.
Noss added: “We had the ball moving around well in the first half. We played some good passes and created a lot of chances.
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“It was a bit more difficult after the break; we had more to deal with. Mainz are a very robust team. There were a lot of aerial battles and that’s what they’re good at.
“As an attacker, obviously I had hoped that we’d create a bit more going forward and of course I wanted to score the winner. All in all though, I’m pleased that we got the point.”
He concluded: “Our focus is now completely on the Fürth game. We want to go there and get the three points.”
Speaking on his international plans earlier this year, Noss said: "I haven't made my decision yet, but I have really enjoyed myself playing first for the under-19s, also now for the under-21s.
"I think the future looks good for Irish football. I love the passion the Irish players and Irish fans have and how they support their nation. I feel very proud to be Irish and to represent a big part of who I am."
