'˜I'll never forget this moment' - says tearful Lukas

LUKAS Schubert says he will never forget his first Derry City goal on an emotionally charged night for the likeable Austrian midfielder.
Derry City's Lukas Schubert celebrates his first goal against Longford Town at the Brandywell on Friday night. Picture Margaret McLaughlin © 15-7-2016Derry City's Lukas Schubert celebrates his first goal against Longford Town at the Brandywell on Friday night. Picture Margaret McLaughlin © 15-7-2016
Derry City's Lukas Schubert celebrates his first goal against Longford Town at the Brandywell on Friday night. Picture Margaret McLaughlin © 15-7-2016

It was a special night for the man who continues to make his comeback after suffering from inflamation of the heart muscle which left him out of football for two years.

He never lost hope and chose Brandywell Stadium as the place to reignite his promising career and he’s beginning to be rewarded for his patience after making a significant impact as a second half substitution.

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Just three minutes after replacing Nathan Boyle on the hour mark, the midfielder made a clever run on the blindside of the Longford defender and cushioned Conor McCormack’s sublime pass expertly with his first touch before steering the ball into the far corner with the outside of his boot.

It was a beautifully taken goal and Schubert wheeled away to celebrate in the stands with his good friends, Austrian international Stefan Ilsanker and Olympic wresteler, Florian Marchl and his girlfriend.

It was a special moment for the former SV Grodig player and it’ll take some time to wipe the smile off his face, he admits.

“It couldn’t have been better because my best friend was here and I can score this goal and help the team which is the most important thing,” he smiled.

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Schubert could have been forgiven for sulking after being named on the bench despite his good friends travelling across Europe to watch him play. Ever the professional, however, the Austrian accpeted the decision and made the perfect impact when he took to the field.

Derry City's Lukas Schubert fires home his first goal past Longford Town keeper Ryan Coulter at the Brandywell. Picture Margaret McLaughlin © 15-7-2016Derry City's Lukas Schubert fires home his first goal past Longford Town keeper Ryan Coulter at the Brandywell. Picture Margaret McLaughlin © 15-7-2016
Derry City's Lukas Schubert fires home his first goal past Longford Town keeper Ryan Coulter at the Brandywell. Picture Margaret McLaughlin © 15-7-2016

“After all I’ve been through I expected not to start,” he said. “Kenny (Shiels) talked to me at the hotel before the game and explained I would be coming on. He said whether it’s in the first minute or 90th minute you will 100 per cent come on.

“So for me, after everything I’ve been through, I enjoy every minute I can play.

“It was a world class pass from Conor McCormack and I just had to put my foot there. It was a fantastic pass and it’s easy after that.

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“It was a good connection and I jumped into the stands afterwards to celebrate with my friends. I will never forget this moment in my life and the fact I shared this with my best friends and m girlfriend, it means so much to me.

Derry City's Lukas Schubert celebrates his first goal against Longford Town at the Brandywell on Friday night. Picture Margaret McLaughlin.Derry City's Lukas Schubert celebrates his first goal against Longford Town at the Brandywell on Friday night. Picture Margaret McLaughlin.
Derry City's Lukas Schubert celebrates his first goal against Longford Town at the Brandywell on Friday night. Picture Margaret McLaughlin.

“The first time I came on for Derry there was tears in my eyes and this night makes it brilliant. My smile won’t go away quickly.”

“It was important to win. The Dundalk defeat wasn’t a bit topic among the team and management but outside it was a bigger deal.

“We didn’t let it affect us and kept thinking about the Longford game. We tried to beat Longford and it worked out well. So it was all good.”

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