Keith Andrews has described as a "whirlwind" the last couple of weeks as he stepped up to the role of Ireland assistant boss under Stephen Kenny.
Andrews, who made his Ireland debut at 28 and was a first choice midfielder under Giovanni Trapattoni at the Euro 2012 finals, admitted it was strange to get the news of his promotion from the under-21s during the Covid-19 lockdown.
"It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks or so, it happened very quickly," said the Dubliner.
"With everything that's going on in the world it seems slightly surreal.
"But nonetheless, to be named assistant to Stephen is a very proud moment in my career, one I've worked hard at.
"I've enjoyed working with Stephen in the last year or so with the under-21s so delighted to make the step up.
"It just feels bizarre, doesn't it? There's a huge side of you that's looking to what's going on in the world, and in your country - on your doorstep, practically.
"And you're glued to the news day in and day out and not really feeling you can do much about it, to be perfectly honest, other than stay at home and try and look after your loved ones.
"It's been a difficult few weeks for all of us - some more than others. And the admiration that I've got for those front line workers, and people working in shops, bus drivers, is huge.
"There's that side of it but obviously at times you have to let it sink in and look at what you've achieved in getting this role, and it's one that I'm very, very proud of."
In an interview with FAI TV, Andrews also spoke about what playing for Ireland meant to him.
"When I grew up as a kid, the absolute be-all and end-all for me was to play for Ireland," he replied.
"It wasn't about growing up and playing for Manchester United or Liverpool, it was about playing for Ireland and worshipping the players that wore the green jersey.
"That's what it was all about. Every step of my club career, if I'm being honest, I felt I had left it too late, that it wouldn't come, that honour of wearing the jersey.
"When it did come at 28, it meant the absolute world to me.
"There were decisions that went on at club level to benefit my international career, to make sure I was in the best possible way to play for Ireland. I was very driven to play for Ireland.
"I've been very patriotic since a very young age".
Keith Andrews is an ambassador for the FAI Homeskills coaching programme now running on the new FAI Grassroots channels –
www.facebook.com/FAIGrassroots www.twitter.com/FAIGrassroots www.instagram.com/FAIGrassroots
