James McClean to retire from international football

Republic of Ireland winger James McClean has announced he will retire from international football at the end of this year.

McClean, who has 102 caps, won his 100th cap in June against Gibraltar, and has scored 11 goals since making his debut in 2012.

He was part of Ireland's squads for both the European Championships in 2012 and 2016. For over a decade, he has been an important player for the national team.

One of his best moments in an Irish jersey came in the victory over Wales in 2017, as his goal gave Ireland a place for the 2018 World Cup play-offs.

Currently playing League Two with Wrexham, the 34-year-old has decided he will be retiring from international football after the Republic of Ireland's friendly against New Zealand in November.

In a statement, McClean 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