O'Neill commends McClean commitment

Martin O'Neill's side face Wales in the UEFA Nations League this week, knowing that only a win will do, as they have gone four competitive games without a win, and face relegation to Group C of the tournament.

While the Ireland boss has acknowledged that his side may lack the individual quality that some of their opponents possess, he is sure that the determination and character of his squad will see them through, as personified by midfielder James McClean. 

During his pre match press conference ahead of the return clash with Wales, O'Neill praised the abundance of personality in his squad, saying:" "The one thing about the players, I feel as if they want to play for their country and that's really, really important.Most players do, to be fair, but this group of players, certainly in my time here, have shown an incredible willingness to do it."

O'Neill explained; "On technical ability, we're short, and I think everybody can see that. But we're not short of heart. We wouldn't have got where we have unless these boys wanted to do everything they possibly can when they're here wearing the shirt."

O'Neill singled out Stoke City midfielder James McClean for his personal willingness to play through injury, in order to represent his country, exclaiming: "None more so than James McClean, who broke his wrist in training the day before we played Wales and was actually looking at an injection to see if he could play in the game."

He continued: "James is obviously sometimes not right in the head but he's brilliant for us, he's absolutely brilliant for us and he epitomises everything that this side has been about for the last few years."

O'Neill's Republic of Ireland side have been without experienced players like captain Seamus Coleman; Stephen Ward, Robbie Brady, James McCarthy and Jonathan Walters though injury for recent games. The young side have struggled without such players who have all appeared at major tournaments before; chiefly the European Championships in 2016.  

Meanwhile experimentation with a three-man defence and a lack of first team experience have added to the Republic of Ireland's struggles as of late. 

However O'Neill retains hope that his side can rejuvenate their fortunes, and make a good impression of themselves in the remainder of the Nations League, insisting: ""We set out in the competition to try to do well. We were well beaten in Wales, but we have the chance now to win a match at home, so let's do it, let's try to win it.If we do that, we're right back in it."

The Republic of Ireland host Wales in Dublin on Tuesday evening, and will hope that, with their opponents having a few high profile absentees themselves, they can get the all important victory to revitalise their Euro 2020 qualifying hopes.