James McClean set to retire from international football   

Irish soccer legend James McClean is finally set to hang up his international boots after he earns his 103^rd cap for the Republic of Ireland tonight.

James McClean has been a firm fixture in the Irish soccer team ever since he earned his first cap in 2012 under then-manager Giovanni Trapattoni. He went on to play an integral role in Ireland’s appearances at both the Euro 2012 and Euro 2016 finals.

Over his international career, James McClean became regarded as a player who would give his all for the green jersey and truly loved representing his country on the international stage.

James McClean – a stalwart in the Irish team

The Irish footballer revealed his decision to retire in a press conference. McClean said, “I will be honest with you, it’s not because of my body, or I feel my ability has diminished. I still feel as fit as ever. I still believe I am the best person for the role. I have never doubted myself.

“I played 46 games out of 46 in the Championship last season, 45 of them starts. Ability-wise, I was second for full-backs in goals and assists and for most successful tackles in the whole league.

“There’s other factors. I have personal reasons and my own reasons for stepping away: I feel now is the right time to step aside. Let others come through; I’ve had my time. For me, now is the perfect time to step away. I have no regrets”.

103 caps – an amazing achievement

McClean revealed that family time was a determining factor behind his decision to retire: “I feel grand. I’ve no plans to hang up the boots any time soon.

“I promised my wife and kids, because I’ve never had the summer off in a long time, that we’re going to book Florida and go away for a month, and enjoy Disneyland.

I’ve never hid the fact that it means everything, the Ireland jersey. Along with the Derry City jersey, it’s the jersey that means more to me than anything else ever will. Tomorrow night, for the last time, I’ll pull it on.

“When I say it out loud, it’s a bit sad that’s going to be the case. I’ll do what I’ve done 102 times before; I’ll try and do it with as much pride and as much justice as possible”.

McClean is set to earn his 103^rd cap tonight (21 November). Only fellow Premier League legends, Robbie Keane (146), Shay Given (134), John O’Shea (118), and Kevin Kilbane (110) have made more appearances for the country than McClean.

Ireland vs New Zealand – tonight’s match

Tonight’s friendly against New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium will surely offer McClean an outstanding send-off as he earns his 103^rd and final cap. Rumours abound that tonight might also mark the end of Stephen Kenny’s tenure as manager.

Kenny told reporters: “If it is my last game, so be it; if there is a new manager to follow me in that regard, I’ll wish him well, if that is the case and they make that decision.

“Regardless of what decision is made and if there is a new manager to come in after me, I’ll wish them well, and I’ll wish the team well moving forward, and I’ll always support Ireland, so from that point of view, that’s the way I view it”.