
French striker Andre-Pierre Gignac has a real fondness for Croke Park.
The Toulouse striker, who is in line to start tomorrow night's World Cup play-off provided he recovers from injury, admits he is no stranger to the Dublin venue.
Gignac spent time in Ireland as a youngster and fell in love with Gaelic football.
"When I was younger, I went to Ireland in summer camp at Fermoy, close to Cork. There, I discovered Gaelic Football," said Gignac.
"Croke Park is a wonderful stadium. It is fantastic to play there for World Cup qualification. Indeed, that match is maybe the most important moment of my whole career.
"You don't know what the future will be. World Cup qualification is an opportunity you could have just once in your whole career. When I am in French team, I am learning every day and from everyone. During training sessions, I am watching Thierry Henry work very closely."
Paul