James McClean, it turns out, is even more of a warrior than we thought.
James McClean's dedication to playing for the Republic of Ireland is undoubted. His passion for the jersey and his pride in playing for his country are evident every time he sets foot on a football pitch. McClean is like the physical embodiment of how every Irish fan imagines themselves performing if they were afforded the opportunity to play for Ireland.
But this latest revelation about McClean will make even the most staunch Irish fan question whether they would be as committed as the Derryman is to the cause.
McClean had been a doubt coming into the Austria match, which Ireland won thanks to his fine goal two minutes into the second half.
In fact, he played with a torn muscle and had to have an epidural earlier in the week, according to Indo journalist David Kelly.
James McClean tore a muscle and had an epidural on Tuesday. jaysus
— david kelly (@dk3lly) November 12, 2016
Christ. Forget playing with a few knocks, if you're having to take something that is used to ease the pain during childbirth in order to play a game of football, it means one thing.
You're as hard as nails.
