Mark Sykes has expressed his pride in making his first appearance for the Republic of Ireland nine days ago.
The Bristol City star donned the jersey for the first time since switching allegiance from Northern Ireland to the Republic a couple of years ago. By winning his first cap, Sykes made history by becoming the first Belfast born player to feature for the Boys in Green since just after the Second World War.
Sykes was fully aware of the backlash he might receive before he made the switch. However, his decision was justified when he was sprung from the bench by Stephen Kenny to win his first cap against Malta last week.
