Jack Byrne was likened to Paul Scholes as he fired Shamrock Rovers into the Europa League second qualifying round with a sublime goal and assist.
And Stephen Bradley hailed the character of his Hoops as they came from behind once again to sink Norwegian side Brann.
“To go behind in both legs and to come back like we’ve done shows incredible character and we’ve a real never-say-die attitude, he said.
“The subs were excellent - Dan Carr, Gary O’Neill and Aaron McEneff - and changed the game for us.”
But Ireland prospect Byrne was the star of the show with his stunning finish before supplying the assist for O’Neill.
Bradley gushed: “It was a Paul Scholes type finish with the way he turned and put it away nice and calm over the keeper.”
And Byrne said: “It was some ball from Finner -I wasn’t expecting it. I just gambled. Had I longer to think about it, I mightn’t have taken it. It all happened so fast.”
Bradley reckons Byrne - who was called into the Ireland squad in March - is becoming a leader in the team.
But he also knows his performances in Europe are sure to alert clubs outside of the League of Ireland.
Of the former Manchester City man, Bradley said: “Over the last few weeks we’ve really seen Jack mature as a player. When he came to the club first he was a nice footballer.
“He was the best player on the pitch last week and he’s maturing and becoming a leader for us.
“I’m delighted because Brann are a good team. I don’t think anyone gave us a chance of beating them before the two games.”
But Rovers are certain to be slapped with hefty UEFA fines after pitch invasions after both goals.
The Brann goalkeeper also had a bottle thrown at him from the South Stand and the Faroe Islands referee had to stop play.
Rovers banked a further €260,000 for their night’s work and that is added to the €240,000 they have already trousered.
Bradley said: “We need to be better about those things when we score goals like that. But you have to understand the passion they have for this club.
“But we do need to control it better. But the players showed tonight that they have an unbelievable togetherness.”
Meanwhile, Rovers home league game with UCD will go ahead this Sunday as scheduled.
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