“Bring it on!” That was the battle cry issued by an ebullient James McClean after Ireland qualified for a second consecutive European Championships after a 3-1 aggregate play-off success against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Just as he had in the first leg, McClean entered the fray as a second-half substitute for Wes Hoolahan, but on the latest occasion Ireland were already well on their way to securing safe passage to Euro 2016.
After the 2-0 victory at the Aviva Stadium, the combative West Brom winger - who played a peripheral role in the Ireland squad at Euro 2012 - reflected on a successful campaign and looked ahead to a trip to France next summer with a sense of heightened expectancy.
“Bar my wee ‘uns being born, this is the greatest moment of my life,” a beaming McClean told RTÉ Sport.
“I was at the Euros four years ago, but I didn’t feel part of the team because I had nothing to do with the campaign.
“I’m over the moon - I can’t put into words how proud I am. I love this country and it’s just unbelievable.”
“I think, when I came on, I broke the world record for most fouls in a cameo appearance"
On his introduction, the Derry man committed a series of rash tackles as he attempted to make a positive impact, and he admitted: “It was nerve-racking.
“I think, when I came on, I broke the world record for most fouls in a cameo appearance. That was just nerves, going on the field, and I think everyone had that.
“But character, resilience, everything, we’ve shown it, and we’ve shown we’re a good football team as well.”
With a winter of discontent avoided for players and fans alike, attentions will turn to next summer’s finals and McClean believes it will be an occasion that all of an Irish persuasion can relish.
Paying tribute to Ireland’s supporters, McClean said: “We know they’ve backed us throughout and we know they’re going to be the best fans in France as well. They always are. This is something to look forward to.
“Look at the group; Germany, Poland, Scotland, Georgia were tough as well, and overcoming Bosnia over the two games, we’ve shown that we’re a good side.
“We'll go there - we took four points of the world champions - so bring it on!”
