James McClean on playing into his late-30s, as he prepares to captain Ireland in his 100th cap

James McClean hasn’t ruled out following in Luka Modric’s footsteps by playing into his late 30s.

The Wigan and Ireland ace, who turned 34 in April, will win his 100th senior Ireland cap when he captains Ireland against Gibraltar on Monday night.

And there is no sign of him hanging up his boots - either at club or international level.

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Asked if he thought it would be possible to play on, as Modric has for Croatia and Real Madrid, he replied: “Physically I feel great, I don't feel I have slowed down too much.

“If I stay injury-free and I am still enjoying it, if I continue to get picked, why not?”

McClean cannot wait to get to 100 caps and “join the illustrious names on that list”, adding that it would “be pretty special, not just for everyone but my family and everyone who helped me to make that happen.”

Asked for his proudest moment in a green jersey, he replied: “Representing Ireland. Being able to do that just once was special.

“I’ve never hidden the fact of how proud I am to be Irish. To be given the opportunity to step on the pitch and effect games for your country. That’s what I’m proudest of.”

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