Despite not losing a game in Serbia, the Republic of Ireland failed to qualify for the U19 Championships, but it’s an experience Hayhurst will cherish.
Today is the last entry of Will’s diary blog before he returns to Preston North End for the build-up to the 2013/14 season…
Tuesday:
10.00am - After a good sleep, I'm feeling fresh and ready for the game.
We get our breakfast and then go back to our rooms and relax.
1.30pm - Team meeting, we go through how Serbia play and all the different aspects for the game, we find out the team and I'm starting!
I’m delighted to be back in the line-up and I’m hoping we can get a win to take us through!
3.15pm - We make our way to the ground; it’s been a bit strange getting police escorts everywhere!
It's a tough group, with any of the four teams still able to qualify, so this is going to be a tense last game!
11.00pm - It was a tough game and we ended up drawing 0-0.
Even though we were unbeaten in the group, it was a massive disappointment that we didn't qualify with Serbia going through.
Wednesday:
1.30pm – It has been a long, long night and I am knackered!
I didn’t go to sleep after the match because we were up at 3.45am so I’m suffering now!
I am writing this blog from Dublin airport as I await my final flight of the day.
This trip has been a great experience for me, one I will definitely learn from.
I am now excited to kick on and improve after this trip when I'm back in for pre-season with Preston!
I hope the Preston fans have enjoyed reading it and I look forward to seeing you all again next season.
Thanks
Will