Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has promised to keep an eye on Sunderland’s new signing James McClean, after the Derry born player declared his intention to represent Ireland rather than the IFA team.
The 22-year-old left winger wants to follow fellow Derry internationals Darron Gibson and Shane Duffy into the Ireland senior team and Trap is happy to oblige.
“James has made his decision and we will watch him closely now as he develops with Sunderland,” said Trapattoni.
“He is a young player and one we will watch for the future. He wants to play for us and that is important for me when it comes to picking players.”
Set to start the new season in the Sunderland reserves, McLean is keen to progress his club career at Sunderland and hopefully force his way into Trapattoni's senior squad in the near future.
“I know which team I want to represent and moving to Sunderland can only help my realize my dream of playing for the Republic,” said the former Derry City star.
And yet another Derry born player has also recently declared his intention to represent Ireland. Torquay United's Eunan O'Kane is waiting on FIFA clearance and his registration as an Ireland player is expected to be completed soon.
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