Wednesday 16 March 2016 13:12, UK
Chris Brunt has opened up to Sky Sports News HQ about his devastation at missing Euro 2016 because of a serious knee injury.
The Northern Ireland and West Brom midfielder has revealed how he broke down in tears as he told family members the news that his European dream was over.
Brunt ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during West Brom's 3-2 win against Crystal Palace and speaking at The Belfry, he described the moment a call from the West Brom doctor confirmed his worst fears.
"The scans the next day revealed it all and I was in a bad place on that Sunday afternoon," said Brunt, who was at home when the call came.
"It was gutting. My wife was out and I phoned her but I had to hang up. I then phoned my mum and dad and ended up hanging up on them as well. It was just too emotional. I'm pretty laid back and things don't tend to get to me, but that was tough to take."
The blow is extremely unfair given senior Northern Ireland players, of which Brunt is one, view Euro 2016 as a once-in-a-lifetime reward following years of failed qualifying attempts.
He added: "We've worked so hard. The games we qualified were great occasions. A few months down the line, things begin to build up [to the tournament]. I'd booked for the family to come over to watch.
"There were the friendlies in March to look forward to and it has all been taken away with one innocuous moment. I'm devastated about the games in the summer but it's one of those things. I'll get my head down and get back as quick as possible."
The 31-year old made his international debut 12 years ago, and in another cruel twist his operation took place in Lyon, just miles from Northern Ireland's training base for the tournament. Manager Michael O'Neill, attending a UEFA workshop in Paris, visited him in hospital.
"It was a bright point in a bad day," added Brunt. "He said that whatever way I'd like to be involved they would make it happen. It'll depend on rehab schedules at West Brom.
"Obviously I can't play in the games but I'd like to go and experience it in some shape or form and support the lads who have supported me."
The injury occurred during a game in which West Brom fans visibly backed Brunt after he was struck by a coin, thrown from a section of his own support, the previous Saturday in an FA Cup tie at Reading.
"It was a pretty good week," he joked. "That's done and dusted now. It was a strange one to be involved in, experiencing two sets of emotions - from anger to disappointment [in the space of seven days].
"In 10 to 20 years' time, it's one I'll look back on as a week I'll not want to remember."
He was, however, full of praise for Albion supporters who raised money for his chosen charities in the aftermath of the coin incident.
"It was a great gesture, a lovely gesture," he added. "It wasn't something I'd want to happen in the circumstances but at least something good came of it and it was great to get their support."
He has also praised the club's medical staff and the many well wishers for their messages. Brunt may now consider what impact this setback will have on his international career as he prepares to fully focus on club football in the coming years.
