McClean salutes Irish fans and vows to do the best he can to put Italy out

By The Newsroom
Published 15th Jun 2012, 10:04 BST
SUNDERLAND starlet James McClean is hoping that his substitute appearance against World and European champs Spain, will be the first of many competitive international caps for the Republic of Ireland.

The talented winger, who replaced Damien Duff mid-way through the second half in their 4-0 defeat in Gdansk, is hoping to be involved in Monday’s final Group C clash against Italy, in Poznan.

“I definitely hope this will be the first of many caps for me, it really has to be my aim. We have one more game against Italy left and we want to do well for yourself and go home with some pride and hopefully I can play a part in that as well,” stated McClean, who was speaking exclusively to Sentinel Sport after the game last night (Thursday).

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“To make my competitive debut at the Euros and it’s against Spain, is something you dream about.

“We are obviously disappointed but they aren’t World and European championship for nothing and because of that I don’t think we should beat ourselves up too much.”

Once again the Irish supporters gave the former Derry City man a tremendous welcome, something which will live long in the memory of the youngster.