James McClean's hard work for West Brom pays off

Eamon Zayed, who played with the Baggies' midfielder at Derry City in Ireland, saw first-hand the determination McClean showed to rise through the ranks of Irish football before going on to play for Sunderland, Wigan and Albion in England.

And McClean has also impressed for the Republic of Ireland, netting a brace in a 3-1 victory over Moldova on their most recent outing – his 44th cap.

Speaking on The Football Show by Balls.ie, Zayed said: "He's maybe not the most talented player.

"He had talent, but maybe not the most talented I've played with.

"But his work ethic was phenomenal and his will to succeed, I believe, drove him to achieve what he has done – and that's James McClean.

"Any player who wants to work so, so hard, and make it – that's him."

And McClean's hard work wasn't just limited to the training pitch.

"He worked his balls off, day in, day out," added Zayed. Staying back after training, he used to jog to training, and back home very day, to keep up his fitness. He just really, really wanted it.

"He had talent, but he worked his balls off to get where he wanted to get – and that's playing for Ireland and in England. He's definitely one that made an impression on me."

McClean has made 14 appearances for club and country this term, bagging four goals, but he will miss Sunday's trip to Premier League champions Leicester City after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City.