Stephen Quinn honoured parents by playing in Tbilisi

He had waited a long time to be named in a competitive starting line-up for his country and now that he is in his late 20s, Stephen Quinn didn't think it was going to happen last Sunday in Tbilisi.

When he played 90 minutes against Oman on the Wednesday before, he was sure he would have to wait again. "I thought he would bring the other lads in who didn't play as much on Wednesday night."

But Martin O'Neill had seen something he liked in the player he describes as having "good heart" so, when the coach pulled up at the Boris Paichadze Arena in Tbilisi, Quinn found out he was playing.

For Quinn, it was the culmination of a long struggle, as well as being a time for reflection. Whenever he was called into an international squad or achieved anything at club level in recent years, he would honour his parents who both died when he was in his early 20s. He says it was "heartbreaking" to come close to squads and not make them, but it becomes clear that he wanted it for what it would mean to his family. The vagaries of football couldn't break his heart.

As anyone who has lost both parents understands, significant moments in life acquire a greater clarity and the absence of the people who would appreciate them the most gives them a deeper meaning.

"When my ma and dad passed away in my early 20s it drove me on to try to get into the squad for them because they have been behind the whole family for all those years. I just want to make my family proud," Quinn said last weekend.

He is one of 15 children. His brother Alan played eight times for Ireland and when O'Neill told the younger Quinn that he was going to start, he had a lot to reflect on, and when he considered it all late on Sunday night, his voice broke with emotion.

"I have played in some big games in the past. I have got play-off finals under my belt, an FA Cup final, Premier League games, they are all big games but this has probably been my biggest personal level, for my family. Because I love playing for my country, it is the most important thing to me. People pull out of squads or whatever, but this is the pinnacle of your career so yes, it is emotional now. I am just glad we got the win and I just want to keep performing."

Before hearing the team, he had also been present for a team meeting with O'Neill delivering the address he had waited nearly 10 months to give.

"It was a powerful meeting to be honest with you. It was quiet, he is softly spoken, but when he talks you listen, because you need to, because he is softly spoken. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Him and Roy have been waiting for this for nine months. We had meetings every day about Georgia. He is a really intelligent manager, really, really intelligent, and to have Roy Keane in there as well, they have so much experience.  His talk before we got on the coach was inspiring and I think it inspired everybody. That is why we have a really tight squad unit here now after nine months."

Quinn was waiting even longer than nine months for his Ireland chance. "In League One at Sheffield United, I was written off," he said. "I never got a chance under Trapattoni, I travelled once with Staunton."

Quinn was an unfashionable player at unfashionable clubs, but managers who worked with him always appreciated his qualities. He could never get a chance with Ireland to make that impression, something that became frustrating during the Trapattoni era.

"I actually don't think he knew me, even, to be honest. When I got my foot in the door he actually seemed to like me, but then he left and I thought, 'Here we go again. I am going to have to try to impress somebody else'.

"But since this managerial team has been in they have stayed with me and they have come to watch my games and they have given me the chance."

There were times since the death of his parents when he considered quitting the game. "One hundred per cent, that was the first thing I thought of when my Mam passed away. But my Dad was still there and he sent me straight back over. There are tough times when you're a young lad. Some days you don't have a good game and the fans are on your back but sometimes you just find inspiration from your parents. I try to think positive and try and be what my Dad brought me up to be and be hard-working and honest. Most importantly, be honest."

In the summer, Quinn looked like he would be leaving Hull but he came on as a substitute in their opening game against QPR and started against Stoke City with Martin O'Neill in the crowd.

"I think that he has shown exceptional character to fight back from looking like Hull were going to release him and getting back into the team," O'Neill said. "When I went up to the game against Stoke City, I thought he did very well. He came off to a standing ovation, not that that matters, and he did very well."

His time at Hull has brought international recognition but he knows he has to fight. He ended the season with a strong performance in the FA Cup final but Hull spent the summer strengthening the squad, bringing in players like Robert Snodgrass and then, on deadline day, Gaston Ramirez, Abel Hernandez and Hatem Ben Arfa. "It's pressure on me, David Meyler, Robbie Brady, Paul McShane, we are all in the same boat," Quinn admitted. "It's a squad game now. I was on the bench for the first game and Snodgrass happened to get injured and I have been in ever since. I am loving it.

"As I said I just keep trying to get on the ball and press forward and I will always be available on the pitch and I will try to be as brave as possible. It is one of my best attributes. If I give the ball away I will still try to get on the ball and try to drive the team forward."

O'Neill recognised these qualities in a player he feels "gives absolutely everything" and who would never "shirk" from his responsibilities. Stephen Quinn might feel his responsibilities extend further than a football pitch.

"Since I have lost my parents, nothing else in the world is going to be heartbreaking for me. I just keep going and keep my head down, whether I give the ball away or I don't, whether I play good, bad or ugly, I am going to keep getting on the ball and keep doing what I love because millions of kids around the world would love to be in my position."