JAMES McClean has revealed his thoughtful plans for his No 5 jersey – he would like to give to the family of his friend and late Derry City captain Ryan McBride.
On a Friday night dominated by a horror tackle by Neil Taylor on Killybegs’ Seamus Coleman, the Republic of Ireland drew 0-0 with Wales in their World Cup Qualifier and James McClean won ‘Man of the Match’
The game came in a week in which two individuals he was close to – Derry City captain Ryan McBride and former Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness – passed away.
After the game, James told Sky Sports: “It’s been a very tough week for the town of Derry and a very tough week for myself personally.
“Two great lads that I had two good relationships with passed away.
“Ryan who I obviously played with at Derry City and (knew) off the field as well, Martin who was a huge figure in my life more so in the last few years – I got to know him really well and had a very good relationship with him.
“In the space of two days them two passing, it was very tough but tonight I tried to put all my emotion into my performances and hopefully I did the two lads proud.”
McClean said he got “all my emotion out” in his hotel room and said the Ireland players and managers “rallied around” him.
And McClean was asked about his wearing of the number 5 jersey in tribute to McBride.
“I thought it would be a nice touch, with the jersey if the family want it I think I should give it to them because again I think that would be a nice touch.
“It’s been a tough week for all of us, but I can’t imagine the pain they’re going through and my thoughts are always with them.”
Before the game kicked off, Republic of Ireland President Michael D Higgins was presented with a red No 5 shirt from the Wales Football Association as a mark of respect at the sad passing of Ryan McBride.
