West Brom began their day 8th in the Premier League. 12 points clear of the drop zone. 16 points off the European places.
Safe, basically.
Try tell that to James McClean.
The Ireland midfielder had another storming afternoon for The Baggies to finish out what must be his most satisfying season to date in the Premier League since he arrived from Derry in 2011.
McClean was set for a move to New York Red Bulls in the MLS before Tony Pulis came calling and asked him to give England another chance. There was a mutual show of faith and it has paid off for both men.
The 28-year-old was up and down the pitch non-stop this afternoon and made massive contributions in attack and defence. With the scores level at 0-0 in the first half, Scott Arfield had just Ben Foster to beat when McClean appeared from nowhere to block the shot.
📸 Scott Arfield's shot is blocked by James McClean during the first half pic.twitter.com/6neIWQxgZu
— BurnleyExpress Sport (@BXSport) May 6, 2017
McClean also made a goal-line clearance and was a crucial out ball, in the first half, as West Brom survived a few periods of Burnley dominance.
In the second half, McClean had more of an attacking say. After a slick passing move, he called for the ball out on the right wing and picked out Solomon Rondon for a goal that made it 2-1 to The Baggies.
Sam Vokes’ second goal of the afternoon made it 2-2 and all McClean and West Brom got for their efforts was a point. Still, the midfielder’s ceaseless shift was applauded by his own fans.
Excellent finish from Rondon. What a touch in the build up by McClean in the build up.
— Brad Poole (@BradPoole31) May 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/JamesSwanton/status/860878296241885184
Shows why McClean has to play when we don't have Phillips too. That burst of pace to beat Lowton made that goal.
— Ashley Burtoft (@AshBurty) May 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/BaggieBird62/status/860879106707271680
We are a little over a month out from Ireland’s crucial World Cup Qualifier against Austria and it’s heartening to see that, at this late stage of the season, McClean is still raring to go.
