Brighton were reluctant for Shane Duffy to play in this international double-header.
But the fit-again defender refused to let anything get in the way of featuring against Georgia and Switzerland.
The Derryman made a quicker than expected recovery from a calf injury and last night thanked his club boss Graham Potter for his understanding.
“It’s my right calf and I came through Saturday’s game alright, I was just knackered,” said the centre-back who could have won the game with a header at the death.
“Brighton have been brilliant, I must say that. I just want to say thanks to them.
“They didn’t really want me to play because obviously it should have been four weeks, but my body just recovered I don’t know how.
“I had two scans on it so yeah, it’s all good. The gaffer (Potter) was brilliant. He just goes off the medical staff.
“I understand where he was coming from because it’s his job to look after me for Brighton. But there was no chance I wasn’t getting here. I want to play for Ireland.”
Following Saturday’s action across the group, Ireland now know what is needed to qualify automatically.
It is a tall order but either a win over Switzerland tomorrow or against old foes Denmark at home next month will do it - but two draws won’t be enough.
Duffy admits Ireland will have to improve on what they dished up in Tbilisi and said: “The result was alright but we’re disappointed with how we played with the ball.
“I know we’re better than that. No matter what, you’re going to get lads giving everything, running around as that’s the minimum we always give.
“But I thought we should have been better on the ball. We let them control the game which was the most disappointing thing.
“But it’s one game and we’re going into tomorrow’s match to win it. We’re still unbeaten and why can’t we beat Switzerland?"
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