 The following season, in Division 3, he became the club's regular left-back and his merciless sliding tackles and deceptive turn of pace stood him in good stead as Saints began the long haul back to Division 2.Although he was not the most athletic player, he had a super football brain and a great left foot.Tommy won eight Republic of Ireland national football team caps between 1954 and 1964 making his debut against Luxembourg in 1954 .