James McClean: Ideally, we'd love the media on our side

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

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