EMOTION DRAINING FOR MAC

JAMES MCCLEAN reflected on an “emotional” night at the end of a sad and draining week, one that ended with him just missing the winner but claiming the man of the match award. Having been in Derry to pay his respect to his dear, departed friend Ryan Mcbride (below, with Mcclean), and then paying tribute to Martin Mcguinness after his passing, Mcclean wore the No5 shirt in Mcbride’s honour with pride. “I wanted to put on a performance that would make them proud,” said the winger. “With the national anthem and the minute’s applause, and me holding my little girl, it was emotional. “It has been a tough week, and with Seamie (Coleman), his injury as well, it would have been nice if we had got a win and ended on a positive note, but it wasn’t to be. “We’re still ahead of Wales and we’re still four points ahead of them so it’s not the worst.” Gareth Bale could have walked for a second bookable offence when he caught Mcclean in the frenetic climax of last night’s stalemate, but the West Brom man was honest in his appraisal of the contest. “I have to give them credit, I thought Wales were better on the night,” he said. “They passed the ball well. We were a bit sloppy. We made chances and on another night they go in. We’re still undefeated. Let’s push on.” Shane Long paid a warm tribute to Mcclean after. “He’s brilliant, he got man of the match and it was well deserved,” said the striker. “In every game he’s growing as a player. He has a big influence on the game.”