Mikey Johnston reveals pre-match chat with Evan Ferguson that led to winning goal against Finland

Heimir Hallgrimsson picked up his first home win as Irish boss but watched his side ride their luck at times as the Finns hit the post twice at Lansdowne Road, before needing a late penalty save from player of the match Caoimhín Kelleher to secure the three points.

West Brom’s Johnston impressed to tee up Evan Ferguson’s winner with a fine cross, and was pleased his side came out on the winning side of a scrappy affair, something which has not been the case in recent years.

“Sometimes you need to win ugly, but I thought we were quite good at times and had other chances we didn’t take,” said Johnston.

“We could have had a couple more goals. We wanted to get the win first and foremost. The last home game of the season, we wanted to send the fans home happy so we’re really glad to get the win.

“Winning is what makes everyone happy and stops people talking, so another win under the belt tonight. It wasn’t pretty at times, but we soaked up the pressure and did what we needed to do.

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“There’s always noise from the outside, that is just the way it is. There is always pressure playing for your country. Of course, we want to win games and that is what we aimed to do tonight. It’s just good to come away with the win.

“There are maybe games in the past where we might have slipped up in. Even if we have played really well in games, we have come away with a draw or a loss so we are just happy to win and breed a bit of confidence. Winning breeds confidence and I think as soon as you win games, lads are instantly happy.”

Asked about his impressive assist for Ferguson just before the break, the 25-year-old said he knew exactly where the Brighton striker would be at the back post.

“We talked about it before the game, about him being in the right positions and whether I was going to flash it across or hang it up. I knew he was going to be there. He only needs one chance and he put it away.

“It’s about me finding him. It doesn’t really matter who’s playing, I need to be able to pick out these passes and choose the crosses or whether I’m coming inside and getting a shot off myself. I feel like I can be a threat going either way.”

Ireland sported their new white ‘hype’ shirt tonight, and while the winger didn’t mind the new strip, he had different thoughts about their green and white pre-match tracksuit.

“This one is nice (holds jersey), but the trackie was a shocker!” he laughed.