THE father of Derry football star James McClean has told how he "nearly went through the television" when his son scored the goal that kept the Republic of Ireland's World Cup dreams alive.
Patrick McClean and his wife Shauna were yesterday basking in the glory of the 28-year-old's game-winning display against Wales as the team secured a play-off place for the finals in Russia next summer.
Mr and Mrs McClean, their daughter and son-in-law watched the game at the Dungloe Bar in Derry on Monday night where they were joined by crowds of other fans.
"The place was absolutely packed," said Patrick.
"At half-time, we were happy enough with not conceding and then it was the second half and we had that goal.
"I nearly went through the television. I ran up to the screen. I did a merry dance in front of it.
"The whole bar just erupted. They were coming from every corner over to me and James's mother to congratulate us."
The father-of-six described seeing his son - who plays for in the English Premier League for West Bromwich Albion - score the winning goal in Cardiff as "unbelievable".
"We were asked for selfies and everything," he said.
"He went over and kissed (his wife) Erin and kissed the camera. (He said) that was you mummy. She was actually hiding up the street for the last 10 minutes."
Mr McClean then woke yesterday to a "whole buzz about the place".
"All the neighbours were out talking about it," he said.
Attention also focused yesterday on James's wife, Erin, after memorable scenes captured on camera when he ran to the crowd at the final whistle to kiss her.
The couple, who first met in a Derry nightclub in 2010, wed last year in St Columb's Church in Derry and are parents to Allie (4), James Jr (2) and Willow Ivy, who was born in August.
Erin, who is a nursing graduate, re-tweeted the photo of her husband embracing her yesterday, with the message: "I couldn't love him more".
She later tweeted "Absolutely couldn't be prouder of u all" in reply to a message from Republic of Ireland team mate Shane Duffy, also from Derry, who had said: "So proud of this squad! Great feeling tonight some shift from the lads, bring on the play offs now! Well done @JamesMcC".
With McClean the goalscoring hero, and Duffy named man of the match, Derry also lay claim to the manager Martin O'Neill, who hails from Kilrea.
Foyle MP Elisha McCallion was among those who took to social media to voice her pride.
After uploading a photo of James McClean with the message "When all else fails, call the Derry men", the Sinn Féin representative added: "Derry man MOTM, Derry man scored the winning goal, Derry man manages the winning team - just saying lol #derryisthebest".
