Chiedozie Ogbene pointed to the introduction of Jason Knight as the game-changer in Ireland's favour in Luxembourg.
Knight, who replaced Adam Idah with 28 minutes remaining, won the 67th minute free-kick that Shane Duffy scored from to make the breakthrough in the final World Cup qualifier last night.
He also provided superb, unselfish assists for Rotherham striker Ogbene to score the second goal in the 75th minute and then for Callum Robinson's 88th minute tap-in to finish the scoring and to secure third place in the group behind Serbia and Portugal.
"Yeah I'm delighted to score again, to get on the scoresheet, but we came here and got a 3-0 win and to keep a clean sheet away from home against a strong team, the game plan worked out well and everyone dug deep," said Ogbene, who was awarded the man of the match award.
His goal was his second of an international career that is only starting and his appearance tonight, his fifth at this level, highlighted the potential he possesses.
"Happy to get the goal - Knighty spotted me, he squared it back and credit to him, he came on and he changed the game for us. He accelerated the game," Ogbene insisted.
"It came from the backline, from the goalkeeper, to start the build-up of the play. Just to keep a clean sheet and score three goals away from home is incredible."
Asked if he thought a year ago if he would be a starter in the national side, the 24-year-old replied: "No, honestly I wouldn't because this time last year I was actually in a knee brace because I suffered a meniscus injury.
"I worked so hard to be here, I sacrificed a lot and as I said before Stephen Kenny for picking me and getting me in this position, credit to him and I owe it all to him."
Ogbene also paid tribute to travelling Ireland support on the night.
"Yeah, credit to them for coming out here, it's a cold place today and to come out and support us, we needed the support because you could tell towards the end of the game they were getting into it and they lifted us, the crowd, and we responded again to kill the game," he commented.
"That's what the fans mean to us.
"We had to find a way to win but they're a good team. We knew what we wanted to do but it was going to take time and they worked us to the end.
"But it shows our character and determination we had today."
