SINCLAIR Armstrong is aiming to grab the winner for QPR this weekend against Sunderland after making his international debut for Ireland on Sunday.
The Hoops striker came off the bench late on in the Republic’s 2-1 home defeat to Holland, winning his first full cap despite being aged just 20.
Armstrong may not have been able to help his country earn a point against the Dutch, but he will be looking to end a memorable week with a telling contribution when the Black Cats visit Loftus Road this Saturday.
He told William Hill’s OTB Football: “I didn’t even know I was going to make my debut today, but it is a very proud night for myself and my family.
“I am only going to use this as a motivation to go back to QPR and try and kick on now.
“There is a very big game at the weekend against Sunderland, so hopefully I can get straight back into it with the boys and hopefully get the winner at the weekend.”
Armstrong received the signal to go on for Ireland with just three minutes remaining and although it was a late cameo, the occasion is one which will live long in the memory for the Dubliner.
The attacker said: “Everything has happened so quickly. This is something you pray for and you dream about as a little kid.
“I do remember being a 15-year-old and having a video on FAI TV where I said hopefully I can play at the Aviva Stadium one day.
“I’m after doing it now so it is a very, very proud night for myself and my family and hopefully there will be more moments like this to come.
“I’m just a boy from Clondalkin. I live 20 minutes away so getting that ovation from the crowd means so much to me.
“When I came on I didn’t really feel any nerves. I was calm and composed.”
Armstrong revealed his phone was being bombarded with messages afterwards, including one from a certain individual back in London.
The young striker added: “I got a text message from the QPR manager Mr Ainsworth.
“Everyone has just been so supportive of me. Even before I came on all the lads were wishing me congratulations.
“This is only motivation and is only going to push me to do better for club and country.”
