James McClean has revealed that missing a Celtic goal made him more determined than ever to play for Celtic.
Back in November 2012 the then Sunderland winger made a quick exit to avoid the traffic just as Tony Watt was finding the back of the net.
That moment is one of the most iconic 21st century images that Celtic Park has witnessed with McClean marvelling at the spectacle and passion of the occasion.
Recalling that match he told The Celtic View: “It was beyond words really, although I missed the second goal.
“I was trying to get back down to Sunderland for training next morning and soon as I left the ground, I heard the place erupt.
“I remember saying to my wife, while I have always wanted to play for Celtic, I wanted to do it even more so that night.
“I’m a Premier League footballer and leaving the ground that night, I was thinking I would give anything to play for Celtic.”
Celtic were linked with McClean while he was playing for Derry City but he never followed in the path of Paddy McCourt and Niall McGinn from the Brandywell.
After a spell at Wigan the 28-year-old joined West Brom but this season his Premier League appearances have mainly been off the bench.
Celtic couldn’t get close to matching the wages he’s on at The Hawthorns but perhaps in a year or two he might get to enjoy the same incredible high that Tony Watt enjoyed five years ago.
