James McClean wants to commemorate Ryan McBride with touching tribute against Wales 6 years ago

James McClean wants to commemorate Ryan McBride with touching tribute against Wales

Fair play, James McClean.

Ireland international James McClean has requested to wear the number 5 jersey in the World Cup qualifier against Wales on Friday night in honour of Derry City captain Ryan McBride.

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News of McBride’s tragic death at the age of 27 shocked the footballing community when it emerged on Sunday night.

McClean, a former teammate of McBride’s at Derry City, paid a moving tribute to McBride on Instagram on Monday, calling him “a big gentleman off the field”.

According to RTÉ’s Tony O’Donoghue, McClean has asked that, if selected for the big game against Wales, he can wear the number five jersey in memory of his friend.

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Fair play to McClean for such a moving gesture; it would be great to see it at the Aviva on Friday night.