JAMES McClean insists that the "glory days" of Ireland qualifying for major tournaments will return as he made an emotional farewell to the international game.
McClean, 34, was called ashore in the 66th minute of last night's friendly draw with New Zealand and was hugged by his teammates before leaving the Aviva Stadium pitch for the last time.
He will go on at club level with Wrexham but even with a change of Ireland manager in the offing, he is adamant that is that.
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"Look, I think this is the right time to go," said the Derry man. "Not many people get to go out on their terms.
"Look, I’ve had the absolute time of my life. I’ve achieved so much beyond my wildest dreams, I’ve had my time.
"The lads were saying tonight, ‘Why didn’t you cry? I would have cried’.
"But I don’t see the need to cry because like I said, I had the time of my life, I’ve had so many happy memories, and it’s been an absolute honour. I have no regrets.
"It’s something that I had to deal with in June as well with the 100th cap, trying to find the right balance. Look, it’s a bit bittersweet it didn’t end on a win.
"But I’m going to savour the night for what it was, I’ve added a few more lovely special memories to the ones I’ve got. That’s the positive I’m going to take from it."
McClean says that among the many great memories in green, one stands out well above the rest.
"I think the Euros in 2016," he said. "I don’t think you can top that. T
"That night in Lille when we beat Italy was, I honestly, I said this before, I wish you could bottle that because if you could bottle that and sell it, you’d be laughing. Absolutely phenomenal.
"From the second I stepped on the pitch against the Czech Republic in 2012, the fans here in the stadium have been absolutely phenomenal, home and away.
"That was something again that was very special. And I pride myself on how your nearest and dearest, your teammates, view you as a person and tonight that showed how they viewed me, I’ve struck up some great relationships with the lads over the years and it’s something that I will miss, the camaraderie around the squad and going into battle with these lads."
McClean doesn't think he will be a stranger as away days are likely in his future.
“I don’t think I’ve got a choice," he grinned. "Me son is football daft and he just loves going to the games.
"Look, I was a fan before I started playing and I’ll be a fan now afterwards. 100%. I’ll be supporting the lads home and away any chance I can get."
The veteran also maintains that there is a bright future for this Ireland team, despite the run of poor results and performances under Stephen Kenny in a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign.
“I’m going to call it how I see it, there's so much ability here," said McClean.
"These lads are young, that’s not making excuses for them. International football is a whole different level.
"These will get better with experience - and you know, with that experience, I’ve no doubt that down the line these lads will bring the glory days back.
"And when I say glory days I mean qualifying for major tournaments because they just need to believe in themselves, because the ability is there, it’s just getting that consistency and doing it every single game, and I’ve no doubt that will come with experience."
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