James McClean opens up on ‘insulting’ online jibes and whether he’d consider going into politics after football

After 13 years and 103 caps, Derry native calls time on his Republic of Ireland career with a staunch defence of his record

James McClean will play his final game for the Republic of Ireland tonight

He was an attacking player who spent a chunk of his Republic of Ireland career in defence.

And before the curtain closes down on a 103-cap Ireland career with tonight’s friendly at home to New Zealand, James McClean took the time to issue a very staunch defence of his own career, picking holes in the arguments of others who said his game had flaws and limits.

“My self-belief is probably my biggest attribute, my mindset,” McClean said, in reflective mode on the eve of his last hurrah in green.

“And actually, it insults me in a way, and I see some of the comments, ‘He was never the most gifted’ and this and that. That insults me because you have to have ability, you don’t go on to play 12 years in England, I’ve got 150 Premier League games, 103 international caps after tonight. You have to have ability.

“I see this, ‘Ah yeah, great work ethic’ and this and that. ‘He’s a good runner’. Yeah? Well, go grab Mo Farah off the street and stick him in. You have to have ability to go with it. When I read comments like that, it insults me. Maybe when I retire I will get more recognition for my football ability than I do now,” McClean said.

His comments are very much in line with the view put before the public from another player who lacked the appreciation or adulation afforded to players who were technically more gifted, Glenn Whelan.

​The Dubliner played on at club level until he retired at the age of 39 (albeit with then-manager Joey Barton in his ear, telling him he was fit enough and good enough to carry on). It was different with