James McClean is feeling very positive ahead of Thursday's Euro 2020 qualifier against Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium despite the struggles of his club side Stoke City.
Yet considering the predicament City is currently in, the fiery midfielder would be forgiven for keeping away from the media glare ahead of such a vital match for Ireland.
Stoke sit rooted to the foot of the English Championship with just one point from their opening six games, but McClean has put the blame firmly on the players for the situation that they find themselves in.
"I could sit here and blame the manager, but it's not always the manager's fault.
"Us as players need to look ourselves in the mirror and take responsibility. This season we have made a lot of very basic, horrendous mistakes that have led to goals.
"We need to step up to the plate and show character, grab it by the scruff. I like the manager and I do hope he's given time."
Mick McCarthy, however, is not concerned about McClean’s confidence levels coming into the game.
The manager admitted that he had a quick chat about the Stoke situation but is in no doubt that an international break actually benefits players who are having a tough time at club level.
"James said, 'Oh it’s been tough, but I hope the gaffer stays as his coaching has been good’.
"He’s positive about that, and says it’s great to be in here now so we can crack on with this and then go back.
"Irrespective of how your club form is going, this is a real release. You park all that, even if you’re Sheffield United and flying or struggling at the bottom of the league, it’s a blessing to get away from it and come and see your mates. Eight, nine days away, enjoy it, it’s brilliant.
"It’s great for the lads."
If the confidence of a Stoke player like McClean could be justifiably queried, the commitment levels of the midfielder can never be questioned, as the Derry man has driven the international side on in recent campaigns, and scored vital goals as Ireland beat Wales and Austria away from home.
And McClean’s enthusiasm was again on show on the first day back with Ireland as he spoke positively and passionately about taking the game to Switzerland on Thursday night.
"It's nice because you're coming in on good momentum from the last round of fixtures. We're obviously top of the group as well, so looking at the table, it gives you a positive feeling.
"We've got four games coming up now. You'd probably say tougher than the first four we've had, but we're going in top of the league and it gives a nice positive reaction. It's good to be back and we'll look forward to this run of games coming up."
McClean has played consistently at his club this season but not always in his preferred position of left winger, as he has been used as a left back at times.
And the player said that he is comfortable playing the role, while also admitting that he is still learning with every appearance.
"I'm enjoying it. I'm obviously learning as each game goes on.
"I'm going to make mistakes along the way while I'm learning, that's natural, but I'm embracing it and I'm enjoying it.
"If I have to play there going forward, then great, so be it."
And that could yet be the case for McClean at international level with Enda Stevens (below) the only recognised left back in the squad.
McCarthy said that Greg Cunningham was on stand-by should anything happen to Stevens ahead of the game, while also confirming that he will turn to McClean to slot into defence if the Sheffield United defender gets injured during the game.
"If we have a problem and Enda got injured in training, God forbid, I have Greg Cunningham on standby," said McCarthy.
"I didn’t want to have two left-backs. If it goes wrong in the game if he has to go off, I’d play James there."
Switzerland are top seeds in Ireland’s group and are considered favourites ahead of the game in Dublin, yet McClean believes that extra motivation can be used, as it has been in the past, as Ireland look to maintain their unbeaten start to their Group D campaign.
"It's nice that we know in the past we can get results against teams like that.
"But when you play the so-called bigger sides, you're probably not given as much of a chance.
"That kind of riles you up a bit and gives you that extra bit of motivation to say, 'we're going to go out there and show that we're a good side, that we've got good players as well’ and put it up against them.
"We're at home. It gives us a good opportunity to go out and test ourselves, see how we get on and try to get that win."
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