Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Mark McCadden

James McClean on playing into his late-30s, as he prepares to captain Ireland in his 100th cap

James McClean hasn’t ruled out following in Luka Modric’s footsteps by playing into his late 30s.

The Wigan and Ireland ace, who turned 34 in April, will win his 100th senior Ireland cap when he captains Ireland against Gibraltar on Monday night.

And there is no sign of him hanging up his boots - either at club or international level.

READ MORE: No escaping the mediocrity of an Ireland team still incapable of finding a consistent streak - and that's on Stephen Kenny

Asked if he thought it would be possible to play on, as Modric has for Croatia and Real Madrid, he replied: “Physically I feel great, I don't feel I have slowed down too much.

“If I stay injury-free and I am still enjoying it, if I continue to get picked, why not?”

McClean cannot wait to get to 100 caps and “join the illustrious names on that list”, adding that it would “be pretty special, not just for everyone but my family and everyone who helped me to make that happen.”

Asked for his proudest moment in a green jersey, he replied: “Representing Ireland. Being able to do that just once was special.

“I’ve never hidden the fact of how proud I am to be Irish. To be given the opportunity to step on the pitch and effect games for your country. That’s what I’m proudest of.”

READ NEXT:

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.