While he does not have the medals or football credentials to match European Cup winner Martin O'Neill, is James McClean worthy of a place on the Derry sporting Mt Rushmore?
During the OTB AM debate to settle on a final four, Derry footballer Chrissy McKaigue made the argument that he would include the Irish international.
15 November 2019; Republic of Ireland's James McClean poses for a portrait at the Republic of Ireland team hotel in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile"Of course, it's a very sensitive issue, when you are talking about many of the obstacles that we face here, in 'the North.' There is a very clear divide in how people see things up here.
"James McClean has come out and given reasons why he doesn't wear the poppy. He's given reasons about why he feels the way he does about certain things in the political arena."
"I just have tremendous admiration for him, I think that's echoed across a lot of people, particularly in that nationalist community in 'the North,' here. James McClean was willing to stand on his own two feet and say, 'You know what? I'm not just going to follow the crowd for the sake of it.'"
The Irish midfielder has been subject to sectarian abuse for choosing to not wear a Poppy commemorating veterans of British armed forces throughout his career.
He previously published an open letter explaining his stance on the issue.
15 October 2019; James McClean of Republic of Ireland prior to the UEFA EURO2020 Qualifier match between Switzerland and Republic of Ireland at Stade de Genève in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile"I think largely he has been very-very respectful and given the reasons why he hasn't done that," Chrissy McKaigue continued.
He also acknowledged that McClean has not been without fault, " I don't think it would be unfair to say that sometimes the way he's come out and said it, or the ways he behaved on social media have not been perfect."
James McClean discussed his experiences of sectarian abuse with OTB during this extensive interview in January.
The GAA star concluded that alongside his playing career, he believes that the political stances taken by the Stoke City player will be remembered:
"That's a big reason why James McClean's legacy will not be forgotten.
"Whether people want to remember it as positively or negatively, that will be at their own decision... I'm not here to force my political opinion on anyone... There are not many people in Derry who don't know James McClean and they won't forget his name too easily."
Ultimately the 72-cap Irish international did not make the final four.
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