James McClean admitted he was having a “stinker” of a match before his second-half brace helped secure Ireland a 3-1 win away to Moldova in the Group D World Cup qualifier.
A second minute goal from Shane Long appeared to be the start of things to come in Chisinau, but Martin O’Neill’s men failed to add to their tally, and were dealt a hammer blow on the stroke of half-time.
Despite incessant pressure from the visitors, Igor Bugaev scored on a break-away on the stroke of half-time and the team-talk at the interval took on a different complexion.
However, the West Brom midfielder’s brace in the final 20 minutes secured what could prove to be a crucial win as Ireland joined Serbia at the top of the table after three games.
The 27-year-old admitted the equaliser was a blow to their confidence.
“We scored early on and to be quite honest I think we thought it was too easy,” he told RTÉ Sport.
“That goal before half-time was a real shock for us, a real wake-up call.”
Asked whether Martin O’Neill gave the players a dressing down at half-time, McClean admitted: “And rightly so.
“None of us performed up until they actually scored. I was having a stinker myself and I’m man enough to admit that. I’m happy to chip in and help the team get a vital win.”
Wes Hoolahan, recalled to the team after the loss of both Jeff Hendrick and Robbie Brady, again caught the eye in a man-of-the-match performance and McClean said his quality was there for all to see.
“We all know the ability Wes has, I think the first goal showed that as well,” he said.
“When things weren’t going well, which they weren’t, you need someone like Wes who will get his foot on the ball to slow things down and keep us calm.
“Wes is a quality footballer, we are lucky to have him.”
