I DIDN’T THINK I WOULD MICK IT

SCOTT HOGAN was so convinced he would be ditched by Ireland he was planning a weekend away with his missus.

On loan at Stoke City from Aston Villa, the striker has been a peripheral figure at the Potters this season – until his match-winning antics against Swanae last Saturday.

But two weeks ago, when he wasn’t playing, he was sure that Mick Mccarthy (above) would leave him out of this squad to face Georgia and Switzerland in key qualifiers.

Asked if he feared losing his place in the national set-up, Hogan said: “One million percent. I didn’t expect to be here.

“I said to my missus we might be able to do something like go away during this international break.

“Then the Ireland squad was announced and I was in it. I was shocked as I did not expect it.

“I wouldn’t have picked me. I’m not playing! I’m not even in the squad at the bottom of the Championship. So, why would you pick me?

There are lads scoring goals.”

Hogan has yet to get off the mark for Ireland but Mccarthy likes the effort he puts in off the bench.

“I’ve not scored but I’ve done what he’s asked and he’s been very happy with me.

“I came in against Denmark away and did okay, probably could have nicked a goal at the end.

“I came on against Switzerland and the boss said I changed the game, brought some energy and created a platform for us to push on.

“I played the friendly against Bulgaria as well and it annoyed me that I couldn’t score. It is what it is. But I know the manager is happy with what I’ve done.”