James McClean has finished off a challenging week on a positive note as the Irish winger gave Stoke City the lead in their Championship fixture against Hull City.
It has been an eventful few days for the 29-year-old. Stoke City dropped points against Preston North End last Saturday in a game that saw McClean taken off after he was at fault for the first goal. The Potters then lost 3-0 midweek against Wigan Athletic. Subsequently reports emerged of a bust-up between McClean and goalkeeper Jack Butland.
Stoke City boss Gary Rowlett was critical of the incident.
It was weak and pathetic and if you do that you're going to lose games of football. When you're not winning games everybody gets a bit edgy and frustrated. We've got to take collective responsibility, it's no good fighting between ourselves.
It has led to a section of the Bet365 Stadium questioning the Irish international, but he answered that emphatically today strike from the edge of the box after nine minutes.
HT: #SCFC 1-0 @HullCity
James McClean puts the Potters in front at the interval! 🙌🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/AKptlMuNWo— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) August 25, 2018
Stoke City are in search of their first win of the season. For the club and McClean, now would be an ideal time to secure it.
