Bring on Euro 2016, roars star James McClean

James McClean can't wait for next summer to roll around after qualifying for the European Championships with the Republic of Ireland.

The winger became the latest Albion player to reach Euro 2016 on Monday night with Ireland's 2-0 second-leg win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Dublin.

It sent Martin O'Neill's side through to the championships 3-1 on aggregate.

Just like the first leg, McClean came on as a second-half substitute.

"Bar my two wee ones being born, this is the greatest moment of my life," said the 26-year-old from Derry.

"I'm over the moon — I can't put into words how proud I am.

"I love this country and it's just unbelievable."

The midfielder was in the Ireland squad that went to Euro 2012 but only played a peripheral role.

Now four years older and a regular player in Tony Pulis' side, he is likely to feature more heavily this time around.

For him, being part of the journey getting there has been just as important.

"I was at the Euros four years ago, but I didn't feel part of the team because I had nothing to do with the campaign," he said.

"We've shown that throughout, our never say die attitude. There's a few times when it looked like we were down and out but we didn't believe that.

"We fought tooth and nail, kicked every ball going."

The combative midfielder has impressed Albion fans this season with his dogged determination up and down the left wing.

After being brought on against Bosnia he showed a bit too much passion, flying recklessly into a few tackles.

"I think when I came on I broke the world record for most fouls in a cameo appearance," he laughed.

"That was just nerves, going on the field, and I think everyone had that.

"But character, resilience, everything, we've shown it, and we've shown we're a good football team as well."

McClean has joined Welsh defender James Chester and Northern Irish trio — Jonny Evans, Gareth McAuley and Chris Brunt — as the latest Albion player to reach the Euros with one of the home countries.

Perhaps some of his teammates had been joking around with him before the play-off because McClean tweeted afterwards: "Send you a postcard they said, enjoy your holidays they said, watch it on TV the they said #France16"

Although McClean was born in Northern Ireland he chose to play for the Republic.

Paying tribute to the Irish supporters, he said: "We know they've backed us throughout and we know they're going to be the best fans in France as well. They always are. This is something to look forward to.

After picking up four points against Germany, Ireland won't be scared by the prospect of any team in France.

"Look at the group; Germany, Poland, Scotland, Georgia were tough as well, and overcoming Bosnia over the two games, we've shown that we're a good side," said McClean.

"We'll go there — we took four points off the world champions — so bring it on!"