Republic of Ireland's latest international centurion James McClean argued the media had jumped the gun on assuming that Republic of Ireland's Euro 2024 qualification hopes were doomed following their loss in Athens.
McClean, who captained the team on his 100th cap for Ireland, setting two second half goals in a 3-0 win, said afterwards that the side was still in the hunt for qualification with home and away games against Netherlands and a home match against Greece still to come.
And the Derry-born winger appealed for "positivity" from the media, in light of the relative youth of the current squad.
"We have a tendency here to jump to conclusions. Especially when it's a negative. We are two games in, three now after tonight.
"We still have that game against Greece at home. We have to win that. We still have the Dutch to play twice. France away and Gibraltar.
"We have a lot of games to play. Points are going to be taken off each other. We just have to make sure we get the least taken off us.
"Of course. We're all in this together. Ideally, we'd love to have the media on our side. A bit of positivity would help. Especially with a young squad."
James McClean marked his 100th Ireland cap with two assists and a 3-0 win and he say all the players are still behind Stephen Kenny. "We're all in this together. Ideally we'd love to have the media on our side, a bit of positivity would help with a young squad." #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/XfxHa4K232
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 19, 2023
After a lethargic and anxiety ridden first half display, Ireland eventually broke down a rigidly defensive Gibraltarian outfit, Mikey Johnston's half-time introduction and a change of formation being the trigger for a significantly improved second 45 minutes.
"At half-time, there was a bit of nerves creeping into the game, a bit of anxiety," McClean admitted.
"Because we knew we needed to bounce back from Friday. These young lads, they could have crumbled in the second half. But they didn't.
"They showed quality, we got the goals and we were very comfortable in the end."
McClean joined the illustrious ranks of Irish international centurions tonight, receiving his cap from President Michael D Higgins prior to kick-off.
"It was incredible. Obviously, that moment beforehand with my family on the pitch. And the reception I got off the crowd made it an extra bit special.
"To top it off with a win and to captain my country, it couldn't have gone any better.
"It is the stuff of dreams. It's a cliche. But you grow up dreaming of representing your country. The chances of that happening are very slim.
"To do it once is very, very special. But to do it 100 times and get presented with a cap by the President and the President of the association, it was a special, special night."
It's a special night for James McClean and his family as the Derryman captains his country on his 100th international appearance. #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/c6HUtsmnpB
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 19, 2023
Though he had to content himself with sending over the crosses for the headed goals from Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah, McClean might have scored himself with just under 15 minutes remaining, Dundalk and Gibraltar's Louie Annesley denying him with an outstretched leg.
"It was a great block from the lad to deny me the perfect moment! But going back to cliches, it's about the team. I said in the huddle tonight, to create something special, it has to begin somewhere.
"Let's make sure it's the first step tonight in hopefully qualifying for Germany."
