Martin O’Neill wanted energy from his players and he got it in abundance from one in particular.
James McClean may not be the most technically gifted footballer on the planet but there’s nobody who will give more for the cause than the West Brom winger.
As O’Neill shuffled his pack for the Republic of Ireland’s crunch Group E game against Italy on Wednesday night, McClean was handed his first start of the tournament.
A divisive figure who’s always liable to earn a card for a rash challenge, McClean’s tenacity is what stood out in a promising Irish first half.
And supporters were delighted with his first 45.
McClean's passion is outstanding 💚
— Stephen Conlon (@StephenC1711) June 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/SM_0141/status/745697980989247488
Got to give it to McClean he gives 100%
— John Locke (@FolkieBaggie) June 22, 2016
McClean is God!☘🔥🍀🇮🇪 #IRLITA #COYBIG
— Seán Buckley (@TheYungBucc) June 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/ryanyoung91/status/745697728110465028
keep it up McClean, and keep up the clean presshure on 'em boyos, like.. #COYBIG #EURO2016 #IREvITA
— t0️⃣Ⓜ️Ⓜ️1️⃣3️⃣b (@t0mm13b) June 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/ceevz94/status/745697624448204802
#COYBIG mcclean wants to tackle the linesman and all
— Martin Roche (@mroche1972) June 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/AFCilIian/status/745698832114139137
#mcclean is giving his all #IRLITA #EURO2016
— Jamie O’H (@ohallerjam) June 22, 2016
McClean has been massive so far. Encapsulates the sort of fighting spirit we need to win this.#COYBIG #IREvITA
— Dara de Brún (@DaraDeBrun) June 22, 2016
