Seamus Coleman has revealed that missing the 2012 European Championship has only made him more "hungry" to help the Republic of Ireland qualify for Euro 2016.
Martin O'Neill's side get their qualification campaign underway with a tricky away trip to Georgia on Sunday.
The Everton defender was left out of Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland squad for Poland and Ukraine two years ago, an omission which the 25-year-old claims has intensified his hunger this time around.
"I was watching the [World Cup] games and I really enjoyed it but you just wanted to be part of it," he told reporters.
"I didn't play in the last European Championships so I'm definitely hungry to be a part of that.
"That's what you want as an international player - to play on the biggest stage."
Sunday's clash in Tbilisi is scheduled to kick off at 5pm.
Written by
Shane Callaghan
Shane Callaghan
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