Nothing guaranteed as James McClean chases a century of caps

When James McClean led the Republic of Ireland out in Lodz in June against Ukraine, it was his 94th senior international game.

The Derryman was given his senior debut by Stephen Kenny whilst at Derry City in the League Cup in 2008. Just 14 years later, they find themselves both in the ranks of the senior men's international team.

McClean left the banks of the Foyle to join Steve Bruce's Sunderland side in 2011 and has played in England ever since.

Initially breaking through as an out-and-out winger, now McClean finds himself playing at left-wing-back for both his current club Wigan Athletic and his country.

"He has had to learn that position himself, having always been a left-winger," said Kenny. "He had to adapt, and he has adapted."

It was Giovanni Trapattoni who gave him his senior international debut. McClean came on as a 78th minute substitute for Aiden McGeady in a friendly against the Czech Republic in 2012.

He would then go on and be selected for Euro 2012, but spent it largely on the bench as Simon Cox was picked in front of him to play on the left-hand-side.

There has been 11 goals so far in his 94 caps. The most notable was the one which silenced Cardiff in October 2017, sennding the Boys in Green through to the ill-fated play-off with Denmark.

During this week McClean was subjected to boos by a section of Huddersfield Town supporters, yet still set up the winner for fellow Irishman Will Keane on Tuesday night.

After being selected once again for the upcoming games against Scotland and Armenia, McClean extends his streak of being picked for every squad he has been fit for.

He will be up against the in-form Robbie Brady as well as the recently recalled Callum O'Dowda for the starting berth.

"It's a competitive area for