It’s been a very tough week for James McClean.
The 27-year-old, along with many of his friends in Derry, have lost two incredibly important people in their lives.
McClean described the late Martin McGuinness as a “hero of mine” in a poignant and heartfelt Instagram post which he released on the day of McGuinness’ passing.
"He always let me know how brave I was standing by my beliefs" https://t.co/IvWBvzsNNC
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 21, 2017
Just days before this, McClean was dealt with the blow that his former teammate and friend, Ryan McBride, had suddenly passed away.
Both funerals were held on the same day so one can only imagine the grief which McClean must have experienced during the week.
It’s in times like these when football seems insignificant but it can also offer an opportunity to take your mind off things and to also pay tribute, in your own unique way, to your lost friends.
McClean has always been a proud Derryman and he has never hid his beliefs or opinions which are associated with coming from that part of the country.
This mentality, as we all know, has not gone down well with some in the past, especially around the football grounds of the Premier League.
McClean’s mentality for tonight’s match was a topic for discussion during RTE’s pre-match analysis and Liam Brady staunchly defended the powerful winger for standing up for what he believes in.
“He’s had a lot of spotlight on him in England because of his political beliefs and I think fair play to him, the lad has stuck to his principles, stuck to what he believes in and he had to contend with an awful lot of criticism, not only from people going to watch the matches but from the media as well…in newspaper articles…
“But it didn’t effect him, I would say that Tony Pulis when he picks that West Brom team now, he’s first one on the teamsheet.”
Great words from Brady and we think it’s safe to say that McClean’s attitude is one that we can all admire.
Liam Brady says "fair play" to James McClean for standing up for what he believes in #IRLWAL #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/V58jLOSw1c
— Seán McMahon (@Sean_McMahon89) March 24, 2017
