Stephen Kenny has paid a fantastic tribute to James McClean, who announced his upcoming retirement from international football this morning.
The news came on the day that Ireland announced their squad for the Euro qualifiers against Greece and Gibraltar later this month, although the Wrexham man was not part of the 24-man list.
Evan Ferguson returns to the squad after missing the last international window due to injury, while Mikey Johnston and Callum Robinson also come back into the fold.
John Egan, Caoimhín Kelleher, and Callum O'Dowda all miss out due to injury, while there was no place for the likes of Jeff Hendrick and Troy Parrott.
SQUAD ANNOUNCED | 24-man squad selected 🇮🇪@CelticFC duo Mikey Johnston & Liam Scales return to the squad as well as Callum Robinson & Mark Sykes
Young, exciting squad for two crucial games 🙌
13/10 | 🇮🇪🆚🇬🇷 - 7.45pm
16/10 | 🇬🇮🆚🇮🇪 - 7.45pm (Irish Time) pic.twitter.com/GRXq08QibB— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) October 5, 2023
McClean has been left out of this squad due to the form of Ryan Manning and Liam Scales, both of whom are currently ahead of him in the pecking order at left wingback.
Stephen Kenny pays wonderful tribute to James McClean
While James McClean looks unlikely to be part of the Ireland squad this month barring any injuries, he looks set to be given an opportunity to play in the Aviva one final time when the team face New Zealand in a friendly next month.
Speaking at his squad announcement press conference this afternoon, Stephen Kenny said that they Derry man has set an incredible example to emerging young players of what it means to play for Ireland.
"Young Irish players can learn a lot from the way he approached his career."
Stephen Kenny has paid a fantastic tribute to James McClean after he announced that he will retire from international football next month. pic.twitter.com/O8afQ93lT8— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) October 5, 2023
He's had a terrific career. Young Irish players can learn a lot from him and how he approached his career. Ireland was always at the forefront of his thoughts, it was always the pinnacle for him.
It was the most important thing to play for his country. You have to respect that.
From my point of view as a manager, I gave him his debut (at Derry City) and sold him to Sunderland, but people change in that period. He is a different personality now when I'm managing the Irish team, he was in his 30s by the time I took over.
He is a different personality. What he does is that if there are any grey areas about who might play in the team and decisions are not made, he is so forceful in his training performances that he sometimes gets himself into the team just by his sheer intensity in the sessions.
It's hard to ignore him. When someone trains like that for the games, it puts him to the forefront of your mind.
A brilliant summary of what James McClean has delivered to the Ireland cause down through the years and what other players can learn from him moving forward.
You get the sense that he will get quite the sendoff from the home supporters at the Aviva next month.
SEE ALSO: Tributes Pour In As James McClean Announces Retirement From International Football
