James McClean speaks with searing honesty about players that put club before country

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.