James McClean to captain Ireland as he hits century mark of caps

Macdara Ferris reports from FAI HQ in Abbotstown

The Republic of Ireland will be led out on the Lansdowne Road pitch on Monday night by centurion James McClean.

To signify his landmark of what will be 100 caps, the Derry man will captain the Boys in Green against Gibraltar in place of the injured Seamus Coleman and John Egan (who had the armband in Athens last Friday night).

“To hopefully get a 100 caps and join the illustrious names on that list will be pretty special,” said McClean on Sunday ahead of the EURO 2024 qualifier at the Aviva Stadium.

“Not just for everyone but my family and everyone who helped me to make that happen. If it happens, it’s certainly one I’ll enjoy.”

The player is set to become the seventh for the Boys in Green to reach that landmark behind Robbie Keane (146), Shay Given (134), John O’Shea (118), Kevin Kilbane (110), Steve Staunton (102) and Damien Duff (100).

The Wigan Athletic player said: “Being able to do that just once was special. I’ve never hidden the fact of how proud I am to be Irish. To be given the opportunity to step on the pitch and effect games for your country. That’s what I’m proudest of.”

McClean earned his first cap back in February 2012 as a substitute for Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland team in a home friendly against the Czech Republic.

The 34-year-old has no plans to hang up his boots at international level just yet.”Physically I feel great, I don't feel I have slowed down too much, if I stay injury-free and I am still enjoying it, if I continue to get picked, why not?”

Stephen Kenny expects to remain in charge for rest of Euro campaign https://t.co/NDz198DF5Hpic.twitter.com/alv7PNbfI2

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) June 18, 2023