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James McClean has backed the Republic of Ireland\u2019s new generation to fulfil their potential after calling time on his international career.<\/p>\n
The 34-year-old won his 103rd and last Ireland cap in Tuesday night\u2019s 1-1 friendly draw with New Zealand and bade an emotional farewell to team-mates and fans alike after a 11 and a half years in the green shirt during which he played at the finals of two major tournaments.<\/p>\n
McClean may not be the only man whose time in the international set-up has drawn to a close, with manager Stephen Kenny now out of contract and not expecting an extension after a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, although the Wrexham defender is convinced the foundations he has put in place will pay dividends.<\/p>\n
Speaking after the game, he said: \u201cI\u2019m going to call it how I see it. There is so much ability here. These lads are young \u2013 that\u2019s not making excuses for them. International football is a whole different level.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese will get better with experience and with that experience, I\u2019ve no doubt that down the line, these lads will bring the glory days back \u2013 and when I say glory days, I mean qualifying for major tournaments.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey just need to believe in themselves because the ability is there, it\u2019s just getting that consistency and doing it every single game, and I\u2019ve no doubt that will come with experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
McClean knows what it takes to qualify for tournaments having represented Ireland at both Euro 2012 and ast France 2016, too.<\/p>\n
It was at the latter that the Republic secured one of their most significant victories, a 1-0 win over Italy in Lille which set up a last-16 clash with hosts France.<\/p>\n
McClean said: \u201cThat night in Lille when we beat Italy was\u2026 I\u2019ve said this before, I wish you could bottle that because if you could bottle that and sell it, you\u2019d be laughing. Absolutely phenomenal.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been absolutely amazing. From the second I stepped on the pitch against the Czech Republic in 2012, the fans here in the stadium have been absolutely phenomenal, home and away.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was something again that was very special. I pride myself on how your nearest and dearest, your team-mates, view you as a person and tonight that showed how they viewed me.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve struck up some great relationships with the lads over the years and it\u2019s something that I will miss, the camaraderie around the squad and going into battle with these lads.\u201d<\/p>\n
McClean announced his decision to step back from international football last month and had no regrets about doing so after his final appearance.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI think this is the right time to go. Not many people get to go out on their terms. I\u2019ve had the absolute time of my life. I\u2019ve achieved so much. Beyond my wildest dreams. I\u2019ve had my time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe lads were saying tonight, \u2018why didn\u2019t you cry? I would have cried\u2019. But I don\u2019t see the need to cry because like I said, I had the time of my life. I\u2019ve had so many happy memories and it\u2019s been an absolute honour.\u201d<\/p>\n