James McClean absolutely loves playing for Ireland.
The 28-year-old West Brom winger is preparing for his 50th international cap when Ireland take on Mexico on Thursday, and he is expected to captain Martin O’Neill’s side.
It may be his 50th cap, but his longing and excitement for the occasion would have you think it’s his first.
Nothing gives him more pride than donning the green jersey.
Everybody is aware of McClean’s unconditional commitment and dedication to the Irish jersey. He has just underlined this even more with his willingness to play in Thursday’s friendly against Mexico, while the majority of his Premier League counterparts take some time off before July’s crucial World Cup qualifier with Austria.
The flying winger’s commitment and passion are second to none.
Any time he is interviewed, it is so evident how much the national side means to him.
He speaks with searing honesty, which is so rare in the commercialised modern game. Sometimes this unfiltered honesty can create problems for him, but it’s a welcome change to the repetitive platitudes of some of his peers.
His work-rate on the pitch is infectious, he chases lost causes on the pitch like a dog after a bone.
McClean was speaking to RTÉ Sport yesterday when his excitement to wear the Irish jersey was so prominent, as per usual.
“What more motivation do you need than when you’re playing for your country?”
When he’s fit, there’s absolutely no question for McClean, give him a sniff of that Irish jersey, and he’ll bite your hand off. While certain other players take a rest, which is thoroughly deserved after tough respective seasons, McClean can’t sit still like his colleagues, he just wants to be here.
“I’m fit and ready, and when I’m fit and ready I’m available for selection.
“I spoke to Martin, I decided that I wanted to come here and thankfully he wanted to me to come as well so it was all good.”
O’Neill has spoken of the possibility of playing McClean as a left-wing-back after previously operating with the Derry man as a makeshift striker. In truth, everybody knows that no matter where he is lined out, 100% work-rate, desire and commitment will be shown by McClean.
“I haven’t played there that often but if it adds more bows to my string and gives me that new experience of playing somewhere else, I’m all for it,” added McClean.
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McClean is exasperated at how some of his team-mates occasionally shun the chance to wear green. It really gets to him, because he simply can’t see that point of view. He declared:
“I just want to play. It gets on my nerves when players come in and they’re not fit for games, but they are for the club games at the weekend. That gets to me.”
This type of attitude is infectious, and hopefully, it takes over the Irish dressing room in the future.
“To see the excitement here of lads who want to wear that jersey, it’s brilliant. It rubs off on you.”
McClean has been tipped to captain Ireland against the Mexicans on Thursday. Couldn’t happen to a more committed guy.
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