Controversy follows James McClean everywhere but he never allows it stand in front of the love he has for his country.
The 28-year-old West Brom midfielder from Derry has come into the prime of his career and has arguably been Ireland’s best-attacking player throughout this World Cup qualifying campaign. Last night his stunning strike against Wales granted the Republic of Ireland a place in the play-offs. On Tuesday 17 October, they will learn who stands in their way of an exciting summer in Russia.
It was a night of exhilarating joy for Martin O’Neill and his players, with Welsh players collapsing to the ground in defeat as Ireland stood in their way of World Cup qualification.
Gareth Bale watched on from the stands as his teammates lacked a cutting edge in front of goal. Still, Wales looked more threatening in front of goal but with results elsewhere not going in their favour, a draw against Ireland would not have been enough to warrant a play-off position. McClean’s conversion from a perfectly weighted Jeff Henrick cross was the nail in the coffin.
How many times have Ireland gone against the odds in recent years? O’Neill’s team travelled to Cardiff in search of a 1-0 win and their game-plan went to plan; soaking up challenging spells of pressure, accepting that on paper Wales are probably the better side, but making sure they were more clinical when it mattered most.
The only goal of the game came 12 minutes into the second half. It followed by Wales gaining, even more, possession but Ireland gave everything to hold on.
But while McClean deserves a lot of credit, Shane Duffy was a wall at the back for Ireland and unfortunately misses the first leg of the play-off through suspension. O’Neill has identified a reliable replacement for Irish veteran John O’Shea in Duffy, whose performances of late in a green shirt will have Brighton shielding interest from other Premier League clubs.
It was a typical backs against the wall victory for Ireland, using all the traits that have helped them on their most illuminating nights. Another hero on the night was the captain, David Meyler, who is only beginning to find his footing in this Ireland team with Glenn Whelan dropped to the bench.
Wales have come so far under Chris Coleman — reaching the Euro 2016 semi-finals — but is this the end of a memorable chapter for the Dragons? His contract is due to expire in the summer and you can be sure the fantastic Welsh support will want him to stay on for the next qualifying campaign (Euro 2020).
However, the boys in green pressed in numbers and chased everything. Both teams were quick in the tackle but Ireland wanted it that bit more. O’Neill must be a great man manager because, since his appointment as Ireland in 2013, he has inflicted a great deal of togetherness, and sometimes that drags you over the line against technically superior opposition.
O’Neill spoke alongside McClean in his post-match interview with RTÉ: “He [McClean] has just been magnificent. His energy… when you see James getting tired in a game with 10 minutes to go, you realise the rest of the players must be really tired because James just keeps going, keeps going.
“His drive and determination has been a trademark for us and he has been magnificent in the tournament for us, absolutely magnificent.”
Now, Ireland will be unseeded for the draw which will determine the play-off pairings and as a result, could face difficult opposition like Italy. O’Neill is not concerned, either way, knowing this group of players will challenge anyone put in their way.
Ireland are not a side any nation in the play-offs will want to come against.
