James McClean set for captain’s call

Ireland’s friendly against Mexico might be small beer compared to the looming World Cup qualifier against Austria, but the game in the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Thursday is all set to be a red-letter occasion for James McClean.

Following a training session in Abbotstown yesterday morning before the squad flew out to the States, Martin O’Neill all but confirmed that McClean will mark his 50th cap by being given the captain’s armband.

“James will think he’s nailed on for it, James would think that,” the manager quipped. “But, you know what, I think that it would be worthwhile doing it. Yeah, if he starts the game I’m sure he will be captain. For the 50th, for a start, and because he’s got that great discipline about him which he just exudes whenever he plays.”