Future’s bright for Ireland says Mac
JAMES McClean is excited by the prospect of a new generation of Republic of Ireland players taking the national team to greater heights.
At 33, McClean thinks the younger members of the squad have to step up.
Asked how excited he was by what he has seen from the likes of Gavin Bazunu, Caoimhin Kelleher, Nathan Collins, Andrew Omobamidele, Jayson Molumby, Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Michael Obafemi, McClean said: “It’s very exciting.
“Obviously they are showing the ability and potential that they have.
“The more experience you get at this level, the more their ability will be enhanced.
“I think the future is bright, which is obviously a nice thing, and I think you saw it last Saturday – Nathan Collins at the back, the shift Jay Molumby put in in the middle of the park, and if you look at the second and third goals, you can see what Troy and Michael can do.
“It is obviously very pleasing. It is just nice to be here and see that day in day out and see potentially what they could go on to be.”
Those performances came in Saturday’s 3-0 Nations League win over Scotland in Dublin, a result which finally ended Ireland’s wait for a first victory in the competition but more, provided vindication of manager Stephen Kenny’s drive to promote from the Under-21s ranks.
McClean made his debut as a substitute in a friendly against the Czech Republic in February 2012, but insists every cap he has earned since has been as meaningful as the first.
He said: “Every cap is special no matter what age you are. That’s the way it has always been for me anyway. You are representing your country, putting on the shirt. It is a special feeling.”