Club News

INTERNATIONALS: McClean on target & Gamboa progresses

Rondon misses Venezuela defeat

JAMES McClean scored from the penalty spot as the Republic of Ireland drew 2-2 with fellow EURO 2016 qualifiers Slovakia in a friendly in Dublin.

The Baggies winger, who played the whole game, converted from the spot in the 24th minute to make the score 2-1 after goals from Slovakia’s Miroslav Stoch and former Albion man Shane Long, who had tucked away another penalty just three minutes prior to McClean’s spot-kick.

The Irish were denied victory at the Aviva Stadium though, with ex-Albion defender Paul McShane turning the ball into his own net on the stroke of half-time.

Cristian Gamboa also completed 90 minutes for his nation Costa Rica, as they reached the final stage of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying with two games to spare.

They recorded a 3-0 victory at home to Jamaica thanks to goals from Celso Borges, Bryan Ruiz and Johan Venegas.

Salomon Rondon missed Venezuela’s 4-1 home defeat to Chile in South American World Cup qualifying through suspension.

The striker picked up a booking in the 2-2 draw with Peru on Friday night which meant he would be banned for the clash against Chile.

Rondon stayed with his international team-mates on Sunday before returning to Albion with Saturday’s long trip to Sunderland in mind.

The defeat leaves Venezuela bottom of the group, with just one point from six games and needing a miracle to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.