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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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James McClean. PIC: Sportsfile
Tonight we will see Republic of Ireland centurion James McClean wear the jersey for the last time.
To this day, I still remember the hype when the flying Sunderland attacker made his international debut - there was a genuine buzz when he came on against the Czech Republic at the Aviva Stadium in 2012.
I was there for his first cap and I will be there for his final game. He deserves his send-off. The passion, determination and the will to win was evident from the get-go. No doubt about it, he gave it his all for the country.
The match-winning goals too - some memorable ones indeed. For me personally, he made precious memories during away trips to Austria in 2016 and Wales in 2017. Seeing him hit the net in Vienna and Cardiff to help the Irish team to valuable victories during the 2018 World Cup qualification campaign was a feeling like no other. I'll never forget those nights, and it is thanks to him.
The 34-year-old Wrexham winger can hold his head up high as he emerges onto the pitch for his 103rd cap tonight - I'm sure it will be an emotional occasion for him. A fine and wholehearted servant to the national team, and we'll do well to see another like him.
For the final time in 2023...
— Ireland Football ⚽️ (@IrelandFootball) November 21, 2023
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⚽️ | Ireland vs New Zealand
| International Friendly
⌚️ | KO 7:45pm (Irish time)
| @AVIVAStadium
| @RTEsport
️ | https://t.co/cD2ytoOj9q
| https://t.co/wtmNuc9ZG7 pic.twitter.com/3ENDieKk3a
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