REPUBLIC of Ireland winger James McClean has penned a touching tribute to the late Martin McGuinness.
The West Bromwich Albion star praised the former deputy First Minister for helping him through difficult times in his career and described him as a ‘hero’ and a ‘friend’.
McClean, a fellow Derry native, wrote on Instagram: “[I am] writing this with a heavy heart.
“A bad week just getting worse, I’ve woken up to the passing of Martin just now. I am not going to shy away in expressing either how I feel.
“Not only was he a hero of mine, someone I looked up to, a man that has done so much for Irish people and Irish people’s freedom right to the very end, he was also a good friend and someone I had the pleasure of having a good relationship with.
It has been a very difficult week for James.
He is also mourning the loss of former Derry City team mate Ryan McBride, who died suddenly on Sunday aged 27.
James is expected to get special dispensation from the Republic of Ireland team camp to travel home on Thursday for Ryan’s funeral.
