Touching moment Ireland hero James McClean rushes to crowd to kiss wife Erin after Wales victory
West Brom winger scored only goal in Cardiff to keep Martin O'Neill's squad's World Cup 2018 dream alive
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THIS is the touching moment James McClean passionately kisses his wife after keeping Ireland's World Cup dream alive.
The West Brom winger's goal against Wales in Cardiff last night sent Martin O'Neill's team into the playoffs for a spot at Russia 2018.
A nervy end saw Ireland survive a late barrage of attacks from the Dragons and overcome the odds to win 1-0.
And Green Army hero McClean wanted to share the moment with one person above all others.
Once referee Damir Skomina blew his whistle, McClean jumped over the advertising board and embraced stunning partner Erin in the Cardiff City Stadium stands.
Nursing graduate Erin posted a picture of the emotional moment complete with three green love hearts.
McClean and Erin married in Derry in May 2016 after five years together.
The couple are parents to daughter Allie May, four, Junior James, two, and Willow Ivy, who was born in August.
McClean plucked up the courage to ask out Erin in a Derry nightclub, pal Rory Kelly told the Irish Daily Star.
Speaking after their special day, the Ireland ace said married life was "great" and had been "a long time coming".
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Erin is not McClean's only fan, with national team boss O'Neill hailing his "magnificent" goalscorer.
The former Sunderland star scored four times in qualifying - more than any of his team-mates.
O'Neill gushed: "He has just been magnificent, magnificent.
"His energy… when you see James getting tired in a game with ten minutes to go, you realise the rest of the players must be really tired because James just keeps going, keeps going.
"His drive and determination has been a trademark for us now and he has been magnificent in the tournament for us, absolutely magnificent."