James McClean is renowned for his dedication to fitness, with many Wrexham players being impressed by just how fit he is at 36 years old.
The former Republic of Ireland international has been this way throughout his career, from his early days at Derry City to even as he reaches the twilight of his career in North Wales.
McClean could still be an important Ireland international if he so chose; however, he has opted to retire to allow him to focus on his club football and family.
While fitness has been important to him, one of his former teammates recounts the time he severely regretted a decision before a pre-season tour with West Brom.
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Ben Foster recounts the time James McClean ‘nearly collapsed and died’ in pre-season
Footballers are always looking for any small advantage that could have a significant impact for them on the pitch, and the former Sunderland man is no different.
However, one summer Ben Foster recalls when this did not work out for James McClean, as he went vegan ahead of a Tony Pulis pre-season tour in Austria with West Brom.
Speaking on That Wrexham Podcast, Foster said: “We were on West Brom pre-season training, right? And for some reason he [McClean] decided to go vegan. He went vegan before pre-season training started in Austria with Tony Pulis.
“Tony Pulis’ pre-seasons are famous, right? He started veganism a week before pre-season training started.
“We were out in Austria. We’re running up the hills, mate. Nearly collapsed and died. I promise you. Ask him about it. Collapsed and died.
“He was in a bad way for a couple of days. It knocked him so hard. Right. End of veganism. That was it. Done. Give me the protein.”
James McClean’s desire to be as fit as possible
The Red Dragons captain is dedicated to fitness and has even been continuing his fitness training during the international break, with McClean showing Phil Parkinson he is ready for Wrexham action.
Kev Mulholland, the guest on the podcast with Ben Tozer and Foster, explained how he has worked with McClean for the last 18 years due to their work with Ireland, and he is arguably one of the fittest players he has worked with.
McClean appears to be in the gym constantly, with the wide player an avid boxer, to ensure that he is in shape so that when called upon he is ready to do a job for his club.