Make this happen, sooner rather than later.
James McClean played at Celtic Park on Sunday and, as he so often does, gave a good account of himself.
McClean played in an Ireland XI against Brendan Rodgers’ side in a testimonial game for club captain Scott Brown. The game finished 2-2, with Alan Browne and Callum O’Dowda the Irish scorers.
Derry native McClean was already a popular figure with Celtic fans heading into the friendly but another whole-hearted performance will have further endeared him to the Hoops faithful.
How did James McClean play today?
Was he running around like a kid in a sweetshop😲😍😲😍😲😍? 😉— arthur speight (@tradheart) May 20, 2018
Ahead of the match, McClean’s name got a huge cheer when the Ireland team was read out on the public address system.
During a rousing rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, the 29-year-old was even pictured singing along:
James McClean singing You'll Never Walk Alone at Celtic Park today. His two loves – @FAIreland & @CelticFC . @JamesMcC_14 #COYBIG 🇮🇪🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/O0J7FCpDzB
— Na Glinntí Glasa 🇮🇪 (@NaGlinntiGlasa) May 20, 2018
The West Brom midfielder gave an interview to Celtic TV and, as a fervent supporter of the club, was asked an inevitable question about one day signing for Celtic.
“That’s always been the dream.
“Unfortunately that’s not up to me. If it was up to me it would have happened a long time ago.
“Who knows? Fingers crossed. Maybe one day.”
With the Baggies now relegated to the Championship, the time may be ripe for McClean to make the switch. Interestingly, he comments that, had it been up to him he would have moved years ago.
https://twitter.com/SantryHoop/status/998217069966581760
Perhaps lining out for Celtic in a league that appears to be a simple procession to the title each season would dull his competitive senses but he could argue that Celtic would have a decent chance of playing Champions League football each season.
Watch this space.
