'An honour' - James McClean to retire from Ireland duty

James McClean has announced the November friendly against New Zealand will be his final appearance for the Republic of Ireland.

The 34-year-old Derryman won his 100th cap in the 3-0 win over Gibraltar at the Aviva Stadium last June.

He made his first senior appearance in 2012 against Czech Republic when Giovanni Trapattoni was at the helm, featuring at Euro 2012 and later at Euro 2016 under Martin O'Neill.

McClean scored 11 times for his country, including a memorable winner against Wales that earned the Boys in Green a place in the 2018 World Cup play-offs.

In a statement posted on social media, he said: "On February 20th 2012, I received my first call-up to represent my country. In all honestly, hand on heart, there are no words that could do justice to that feeling.

"Since then, 102 caps, 11 goals and two European Championships. Now, 11 years later, I have come to a point, one that truth be told you never think is going to come but here we are, where I am announcing my retirement from international football at the end of the 2023 season.

"I have spoken with Stephen Kenny & the New Zealand match in November at the Aviva Stadium will be the last time that I will celebrate pulling on the green jersey as a player and give me a chance to say goodbye to the best fans in the world.

"It has the meant the absolute world and more to be able to pull on the green jersey with honour, step out onto a football pitch - especially at the Aviva Stadium - to represent our great country, standing singing Amhrán na bhFiann ready to go out into battle with your fellow countrymen. Nothing has ever come close.

"I gave absolutely everything I had of myself to ensure that I did the jersey, the fans and the country proud, and know that I never took it