Alan Mannus candidly confesses he never thought he would sample the unbelievable experience of being part of a Northern Ireland squad at a major championship.
Now, though having done just that, he is still buzzing after rejoining his club team-mates at St Johnstone and cannot wait for the season to begin in earnest again tomorrow at Elgin in the Betfred League Cup.
Mannus may not have gained game time for his country at the Euros with Michael McGovern in inspired form between the sticks for Michael O’Neill’s side but he insists the whole experience was an unforgettable one.
He said: “I’ve watched Euros and World Cups on TV in the past and I never thought I’d see anything like it with a Northern Ireland squad.
“Everything about the organisation was first class. The facilities couldn’t have been better.
“The atmosphere in the grounds was amazing. The Northern Ireland fans were brilliant but so were the others.
“There had been some bother in Belfast years ago with Poland but their supporters clapped our National Anthem. That was a nice surprise.
“It was fantastic, especially when we beat Ukraine. The fans sang all the way through our games.
“It was disappointing not to get some game time but it was a great experience just to be part of it all.”
Northern Ireland’s Euros dream came to an end when they were defeated 1-0 by Wales after making it to the last 16 of the competition.
They arrived home to a heroes’ welcome before the team headed out to celebrate in Belfast.
Mannus said: “We didn’t have a celebration in France because the security was so tight 24 hours a day and we were in the middle of nowhere.
“Some of the lads were retiring from the international scene so we went out for a few beers in Belfast after a supporters’ event.”
While some players have retired, Northern Ireland may struggle to hold onto boss Michael O’Neill who is sure to be a man in demand after what he has achieved with the national side.
Mannus added: “I’m sure the manager will get a few offers. I thought he would after taking Northern Ireland to the Euros, never mind getting out of the group.
“I would imagine he’d want to qualify for the World Cup now but knowing him from our days at Shamrock Rovers, he likes club management and if something good crops up he might find it hard to turn down.”
With Mannus being away at the Euros and then given some time off with his family afterwards by Saints, he has played little part in his club’s pre-season preparations.
However, he insists he is not far from being back to full sharpness.
He added: “I was away for five weeks with the international squad so pre-season isn’t really an issue for me.
“I have only had a couple of weeks off. It’s not long enough away to lose much in the way of sharpness.
“It’s just about getting back into the routine.”
