James McClean: Lucky to escape red card.

How the Irish fared

It’s the question no Ireland supporter wants to face. How will Ireland replace Robbie Keane, by some distance the nation’s most prolific striker?

Could the answer be a winger recently converted into a striker? Before Christmas, Wigan manager Malky Mackay decided to make James McClean the focal point of his attack. The move hasn’t yet brought about a change in Wigan’s fortunes — they are five points off safety in the Championship — but McClean has thrived in his new role and scored for the third time in five games on Saturday as the Latics drew 1-1 with Blackburn.