James McClean says he was proven completely wrong by Seamus Coleman’s belief heading into Ireland’s decisive international window, and revealed the conversation the pair had just days before Ireland stunned Portugal and Hungary to secure a World Cup playoff spot.
Speaking on Off The Ball, McClean admitted he didn’t think Ireland could take six points from the two higher-ranked teams in Ireland's World Cup qualification group. Seamus Coleman, he said, felt very differently.
What went before the Armenia game when we won at home… I don't think there was a lot of optimism that we could beat Portugal and go away to Hungary.
I was speaking to Seamus during the week and Seamus was saying he believes and I was saying obviously you're there, you have to believe.
And I was saying to him I can't see it. It doesn't matter if I believe or not, it's the lads that step onto the pitch, they're the ones that have to believe.
And he did, he said he believed. I'm so happy that I was wrong and he was right.
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Ireland went on to shock Portugal in Dublin before Troy Parrott’s 96th-minute winner completed a miracle turnaround in Budapest, vindicating Seamus Coleman’s optimism and leadership.
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James McClean: Leaving Seamus Coleman out earlier in the campaign was a “massive mistake”
James McClean also spoke about Coleman’s importance since returning to the squad, and didn’t hide his frustration about how the Everton legend was previously excluded during the defeat to Armenia.
It's been incredible and I was quite critical after the Armenia game… well, that camp really when he was excluded. He wasn't involved.
I said it was such a massive mistake from the manager's point of view, not just because of his playing ability but what he brings around the place, it's crucial.
The Derryman said the team’s improvement since Seamus Coleman has returned is no coincidence.
It's no coincidence since he's been brought back in. It's that leadership skill, his personality, his ability, that feeds off on the younger players and it's no coincidence that they're thriving off him.
I can't speak highly enough of Seamus.
Coleman’s influence has been obvious on and off the pitch across this window, as Ireland overturned a dire start to the campaign and now sit just two wins away from the 2026 World Cup.
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