James McClean is no stranger to the headlines but for once he will be heartened by the positive reaction, not only in Ireland but also in England to his posting on Social media that he has been diagnosed as Autistic.

His daughter Willow-Ivy was diagnosed on the spectrum four years ago and he fronted Aviva’s creation of an autism sensory room at the Aviva Stadium shortly afterward.

He has spoken out for support for those who are diagnosed while all the time beginning to recognize that he shared some of the traits that were evident in his daughter.

“The last four years have been life-changing in the most amazing way but also very difficult at times as her daddy watching her overcome so many obstacles in her life and learning how to manage the challenges she faces on a daily basis,” he wrote on Instagram after Monday night’s game at the stadium.

“The more Erin and I learned about autism the more we began to recognise I was very similar to Willow in more ways than we thought.”

“I see so many small traits in her that I see in myself. So I decided to go and get an ASD assessment. It’s been a bit of a journey and now having a diagnosis I feel it’s time to share it, for the week that’s in it.”

This is Autism Awareness Week.

“I have debated for a while going public in sharing this as I’ve done this for Willow-Ivy, to let her know that I understand and that being autistic won’t and should never hold her back from reaching her goals and dreams.”

He signs off with Daddy’s Girl and a green love heart.

McClean has taken a regular pasting on social media from English fans upset at his unwillingness to wear a poppy to mark Remembrance Sunday, a stance ironically supported by the groups that organise the wearing of a poppy on the basis that this is exactly the freedom that those who died in war did so to defend.

Being a professional footballer means living life in a fishbowl. His coming out with this news this week is a powerful way to stimulate debate and most importantly to destigmatise those who are different in any way.

Fair play to you James McClean.