James McClean admits his Twitter rant was "stupid" and "idiotic", but he also thinks it may end up helping his Republic of Ireland career in the long run.
McClean received a dressing down in front of his team-mates on Saturday after venting his fury on Twitter at not coming off the bench during Friday's 2-1 win over Kazakhstan. The 23-year-old deleted the foul-mouthed tweet and made a grovelling apology that saw him retained in the squad for Tuesday's friendly against Oman.
"I'm able to laugh about it now and we're able to joke about it, so it has helped integrate me I suppose," McClean said. "It's the greatest honour to play for your country and that's where my frustration came from. It was stupid. It was idiotic but I'm human and it's over and done with now. I've learned from it."
The Sunderland winger impressed when he came off the bench for a 30-minute cameo, going close with two brilliant efforts - one a tricky volley and the other a superb curling free-kick that was saved by Ali Al-Habsi.
McClean looks like he will have to spend more time on the bench for his country after manager Giovanni Trapattoni revealed that the winger would not start next month's qualifier against Germany in Dublin.
But the former Derry City man is just happy that he still has an international career, and that he still retains the support of the Republic fans, who gave him an almighty cheer when he came off the bench after an hour's play.
"I was just delighted to get on the pitch considering what has happened on this trip," McClean added.
"I'm just glad that it's all over and done with now. It was nice to get on and the fans were amazing. They've taken to me from day one.
"They're a great bunch."
Source: PA
