I WAS PART OF KIDS' WORLD CUP IN 2002

Jamie saw Irish drama in pub aged five

- BY FRASER MACKIE

JAMIE MCGRATH recalls the rafters rocking in his local boozer as a raucous crowd followed Ireland's World Cup dramas.

Now he wants to be the toast of his nation 23 years later by helping the Republic reach the 2026 Finals.

The Hibs star's first major tournament memory was in the pub with his family aged of FIVE as Mick McCarthy's squad was eliminated by Spain in South Korea.

McGrath, 29, said: “My first memory watching the World Cup was in 2002 with my dad in the pub as Ireland lost to Spain on penalties (after 1-1 draw).

“When Robbie Keane equalised for Ireland, everybody in the Cozy Corner jumped and hit the roof and all the dust came down from the ceiling.

“So to have half a chance to play at a World Cup Finals is unbelievable.

“I have to do the business first for Hibs and, hopefully, that starts against Celtic.”