James McClean delighted with Ireland performance

Ireland midfielder James McClean hailed a professional performance from his Ireland team-mates after contributing 2 goals in their 7- 0 rout of Euro 2016 qualifying opponents Gibraltar in Dublin yesterday.

Robbie Keane scored a hat-trick inside 12 first-half minutes - including the opener after just six minutes - to give the home side a decisive lead in the Aviva Stadium and take his individual tally in international football to 65.

Derry born Wigan winger McClean then got in on the act after the break, scoring either side of goalkeeper Jordan Perez's own goal, and Wes Hoolahan completed the rout with a 56th-minute effort to make it two wins out of two for the Irish in Group D.

McClean told Sky Sports: "We did a professional job, we prepared the right way. It was important to get the early goal and settle everyone down.

"The goals meant everything. Playing for my country is the greatest privilege in football and to score goals, my first home goals as well, it's something that will be with me forever. Hopefully I can push on from that and get a few more.''

Martin O'Neill's men now take their qualifying campaign to Gelsenkirchen and a meeting with world champions Germany on Tuesday night, and McClean knows the importance of having two wins under their belt ahead of that match.

"We've got six points on the board and from the start that was our objective going into Germany," added McClean.

"We're under no illusions that's going to be a really tough ask, but hopefully we can go there and get at least a point.''

Darron Gibson "It's great to be back"

Darron Gibson is relishing his return to the Ireland set-up & is ready to prove himself to the fans.

“It’s great to be back and I’m enjoying the week, but it feels like I’m starting all over again and I have to prove myself once more to the fans," explained Gibson to reporters at the Irish training camp in Malahide.

The Derry born player admitted it was tough watching from afar the previous games in this qualifying campaign.

"It was tough to stay away, but it was my decision and I stuck to it.

"I felt I should have got the opportunity to play in the Euros, but I am delighted to be back in. Hopefully I’ll get my chance on Friday to show what I can do."

Noel King has stepped into the breach as Ireland manager and Gibson has spoken positively about the Dubliner’s contribution so far.

“Noel knows his stuff. He has worked a lot on tactics and is trying out different formations. The training sessions are brilliant and there is a confident mood in the squad.

"Playing against the Germans is a big test. They will have a lot of the ball and I think we will need to pack the midfield and close the space down. Noel has plans in place."

 

Moyes to put his faith in Shane Duffy

Everton boss David Moyes is set to put his faith in Shane Duffy as Everton enter a pivotal spell in the Blues boss’ Goodison reign.

The Derry born Ireland international has been told he is right in the mix to challenge favoured pair Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin for a first-team place as the Toffees chase a top four finish and FA Cup glory.

Duffy had previously been fourth in line to start in central defence and Moyes had considered allowing him to go on loan to gather experience, but has been impressed with his development in recent months.

And with John Heitinga’s poor run of form proving costly in recent weeks, Moyes has informed Duffy he will be going nowhere as the club attempts to compete on two fronts which could yet prove crucial to Moyes’ own Goodison future.

The 21-year-old was selected ahead of Heitinga to come on as a late substitute during Saturday’s fifth round FA Cup draw with Oldham, and will be on the bench again for the visit to face Norwich at Carrow Road in the Premier League on Saturday.

Earlier this month Duffy led the Ireland  U21's to an impressive 3-0 win over the Netherlands in Tallaght Stadium and the young Galliagh defender will be keen to get some club games under his belt and force his way into Trapattoni's senior Ireland squad.

James McClean honoured after Ireland call-up

Sunderland midfielder James McClean has been called into Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland squad for the friendly at Lansdowne Road on 29 February.

McClean tweeted after hearing the news of his international call-up: "Absolutely buzzin and honoured to be called up to represent my country... best feeling there is."

The Derry born winger has made a sensational starts to his Sunderland career and had been expected to be included in Giovanni Trapattoni's initial squad when it was announced earlier this month, but will now take his place along with Paul Green in a 26-man squad.

McClean was signed from his home-town club for £350,000 last summer by O'Neill's predecessor Steve Bruce, but it was not until the new manager's arrival at the Stadium of Light that he was given the opportunity to make an impact on the senior stage.

McClean made an eye-catching first-team debut as a substitute in the new manager's opening game, a 2-1 Barclays Premier League victory over Blackburn, and after a further two appearances from the bench, was handed a start against Manchester City on New Year's Day.

He has remained in the team ever since and has contributed four goals as well as some fine wing play to Sunderland's impressive run of form, which saw them beat Arsenal 2-0 on Saturday to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals and extend their record under O'Neill to 10 victories in 15 games.

Asked recently about McClean's international potential ahead of this summer's Euro 2012 finals, O'Neill said: "He is more than worth having a look at. I think he can force his way into the squad.

"Of course, the players who have got the Republic of Ireland there would deserve great credit for that, but there is always room for an emerging talent."

McClean's chance may now come earlier than he initially thought having been presented with the opportunity to impress the Italian in training at Ireland's Malahide base ahead of the clash with the Czechs.

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Shane Duffy added to Ireland squad for Czech friendly

Irish boss Giovanni Trapattoni has called Everton defender Shane Duffy into the Ireland squad for this month’s international friendly against Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road.

The 20-year-old Derry born defender will replace Richard Dunne in the 24-man squad after the Villa defender learned he will sidelined for eight weeks with a fractured clavicle suffered during Villa’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City yesterday afternoon.

Duffy will join up with the squad for training on February 26, three days before the Dublin friendly. The Derryman has shown great promise at the heart of the Everton defence in recent weeks having made his Premier League debut last month against Tottenham Hotspur.

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It's green for go for James McClean's Ireland international career

James McClean's Ireland international career has been given the green light by FIFA.

The move clears the way for the Derryman to be included in the Ireland squad to be announced by Giovanni Trapattoni tomorrow for the upcoming friendly against the Czech Republic In Lansdowne Road on February 29th.

McClean has taken the premiership by storm since his Sunderland debut three months ago and his eye for goal, dazzling wing play & overall performance has had Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill singing the praises of the young winger.

There had been concerns that the IFA were deliberately holding up his paperwork, however the paperwork has now been approved by FIFA and McClean is free to Start his international career with Ireland.


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Moyes praise for Shane Duffy performance

Everton Boss David Moyes has praised the maturity of Ireland U21 International Shane Duffy after his home Premier League debut at Goodison Park yesterday against Blackburn.

Speaking after the 1-1 draw Moyes said “Shane Duffy had a terrific game. He was arguably our best player today and he’s a young boy; we just needed a lot more in every department.”

Derry born Duffy has now played in the last three Everton games, standing in for the injured Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin, and after solid showings at Spurs and Aston Villa the 20 year old centre-back ran out at Goodison Park for the first time in a league game and left the stadium with the man of the match award.

Duffy looked totally composed at the heart of the 'Toffees' backline and already seems to have built up a good understanding with fellow centre-back John Heitinga. He was defensively solid and was always a threat from set pieces. He was unlucky not to have given Everton the three points when he struck the bar with a late header.

And David Moyes was delighted at the way the youngster has stepped up to the mark in such a crucial role for the side.

"Duffy has played really well in the games," Moyes told evertontv. "He has been steady and looked mature in the games he has played.

"It is not easy for a young centre-half to play in the Premier League and we have tried to keep his game steady and simple and he has done well."

Duffy spent the first half of the season on loan at Scunthorpe before his call back to the Toffees, and impressed all at Glanford Park including Iron boss Alan Knill who was keen to retain the services of the Derry man for the remainder of the season.

Earlier this week Shane Duffy set himself a target of saving David Moyes a fortune in the transfer market and if recent performances are anything to go by, he may well do just that.

Darron Gibson completes Everton move

Everton have completed the signing of Irish international midfielder Darron Gibson from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old Derry born international joins on a four-and-a-half year deal and will wear the number 4 shirt.

Gibson, whose last appearance for United came in a 5-0 win over Wigan on Boxing Day, will arrive at Finch Farm immediately and could make his debut when the Blues take on Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday.

A product of Manchester United's youth system, Gibson broke through the ranks during the 2005/06 campaign and has since made 60 appearances, scoring 10 goals - many spectacular efforts from long range.

Last season he scored in the Red Devils’ Champions League semi-final defeat of German outfit Schalke, just over a year after another strike helped Sir Alex Ferguson's men overcome giants Bayern Munich in the last eight of the same competition.

Gibson has made seventeen international appearances for Trapattoni’s ‘Boys In Green’ and a move away from Old Trafford was essential for the player, as regular football is a must if he is to feature in the squad for the upcoming European finals in Poland in June.

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McClean hungry for more game time

There was hardly a better way for Derry born James McClean to mark his first start for Sunderland as Ji Dong-won scored a last-minute winner against Manchester City.

The 22-year-old Irish flyer starred on the left wing for Sunderland, who recorded their third win in five games thanks to Dong-won's 93rd-minute goal.

"There was jubilation after Ji's goal - the whole place just erupted," said McClean, who joined Sunderland from Derry City last summer.

"To put in a performance like that against one of the best teams in the country and come away with the win, the team deserve huge credit.

"The fans are brilliant - they created a great atmosphere in the stadium."

He explained: "We put a lot into the game, some of the lads were out on their feet, including myself - that just shows great determination and character for us to break forward and manage to come away with the win.

"It was a tough game, we stayed disciplined and kept our shape throughout the game and we got in their faces and it paid off."

Now the winger is hoping he's impressed manager Martin O'Neill sufficiently to ensure another start against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium tomorrow night.

He says his full debut is a huge boost and is relishing the chance to drive home his claim for a regular starting spot.

"I've had a few run-outs lately and the manager knew I was hungry for it so it was delighted when I found out I'd be starting," McClean explained.

"Hopefully I can to push on and get more starts now."

McClean, who recently stated that it would be a dream to represent Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland side, will have done his future international prospects no harm with some eye-catching Sunderland performances in recent weeks.

Irish fringe players need to impress Trapattoni to secure Euro 2012 squad place

Seamus Coleman is one of a number of young Irish internationals focused on making the Ireland squad for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland next summer, but all must convince Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni to include them on the European adventure.

The Everton defender is one of a number of players fighting to make Trap’s final 23 man squad for the Group C games against Croatia, Spain and Italy.

The Killybegs born midfielder knows he has to find favour with his international manager before the Euro 2012 squads are named next May.

“The only thing to do now is to play well for your club week in and week out between now and the end of the season and show the manager what you can do,” said the Goodison Park favourite

Meanwhile Trapattoni has challenged James McCarthy to find his voice and force his way into Ireland's squad for the Euro's.

McCarthy put in a man-of-the-match performance for Wigan against Chelsea last Saturday and Trapattoni sent the 21-year-old midfielder a message of congratulations afterwards.

Trap said - "James did well and I sent him a message saying 'bravo'," said Trapattoni. "He answer me also. He can grow very well. But, he is still a little shy. He can play many good balls. But he can call for the ball too. Sometimes, he is free. If he is more vocal, he can improve 30pc more.

"When I was a young player, I played immediately. In the past, James didn't play. But now he's started playing again and that's very, very important because he has a good quality."

And Trapattoni has also warned Darron Gibson that it's in his best interests to seek a new club when the transfer window opens in January.

"I know the way he thinks and this is his intention, I know he wishes to go for this situation but it depends on what agents and his manager will say," Trapattoni said.

"Gibson has great vision and he shoots very well. but in the Wolves game, Manchester United won 4-1 and he was on the bench so it is hard for him."

Although Derry born Gibson is still in Trapattoni's plans, the Italian admits that he will find it hard to select him for next summer's European Championships if he does not start playing more regularly by getting a move away from Old Trafford.

"It is a problem now that he stays on the bench. In one month it is very difficult to recover your condition,"

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Shane Duffy extends loan spell

Scunthorpe United have extended the loan stay of Ireland U21 international Shane Duffy.

The Derry born centre-half has impressed during his month at Glanford Park and the Iron were keen to extend the deal.

Saturday's 2-1 victory over Yeovil Town was the 19-year-old's fourth appearance for United and Scunthorpe boss alan Knill has persuaded Premier League side Everton to allow him to remain on a month by month basis.

"I've spoken to Shane and he is benefiting from playing in someone's first team," said the Iron boss.

"It's better he plays in a competitive team that is playing quite well rather than the reserves.

"That's what they sent him to us for, to learn, and that's what he's doing. And I have to say, I think he's getting better.

"The thing I like most about him is when the ball comes into the box, he really wants to head it – before anybody else. He's a proper centre-half."

Both Duffy and fellow Iron Irish international Niall Canavan have been called up into the latest Ireland U21 squad.

The pair have been selected for the forthcoming UEFA 2013 European Championship Qualifier versus Liechtenstein which will take place on Tuesday, October 11.

Canavan is currently out of action with an ankle injury but, should he be fit, he will join up with the squad alongside Duffy the day after Scunthorpe's home clash with Leyton Orient.

The pair would then return to training ready for the away game at Brentford on Saturday, October 15.


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Shane Duffy secures Scunthorpe loan move

Ireland U21 international Shane Duffy has secured a loan move to League one side Scunthorpe from Everton.

The 19-year-old Derry born defender is presently on international duty alongside fellow Scunthorpe centre-back Niall Canavan for the Ireland's U21 side who host Hungary tomorrow night in their opening 2013 UEFA qualifier, just three weeks after they produced a stunning comeback to defeat Austria 2-1 in a friendly at the same Sligo venue.

Duffy joined Everton's Academy as a 16-year-old and after progressing through the Goodison Park ranks made his first-team debut in a Europa League tie in December 2009.

The centre-back will link up with the Scunthorpe squad after returning from international duty next week and is likely to be contention for a starting birth when Sheffield United visit Glanford Park on September 10th.


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Duffy impresses despite Burnley defeat

Ireland U21 international Shane Duffy is determined to shake off the disappointment of defeat on his Burnley debut to push for the play-offs.

The 19-year-old Everton centre back made his league debut against Ipswich after signing on an initial 28-day loan.

And despite impressing, Duffy took no pleasure from the day, after seeing his side go down 2-1.

The Derry born Irishman feels that a top six place is still within Burnley’s reach however, although they have to start winning games as soon as possible.

A third defeat in four leaves them three points adrift of Reading in sixth, with eight games to play, and Duffy said: “We have to put this behind us.

“We know there aren’t that many games left.

“We’ve got a lot coming up now so hopefully we’ll get a few wins under our belt and we’re straight back in there.

“We’ve got to start winning our own games first and then we can focus on other teams.

“We’ve got to move on and try to win the next game.”

Duffy felt, despite a below-par team performance, Burnley didn’t deserve to lose to the Tractor Boys, who took a two-goal lead through first half goals from skipper David Norris and 18-year-old Connor Wickham, before Jay Rodriguez pulled one back with his 13th goal of the season 20 minutes from time: “We went through a little bad spell in the first half, which at the end of the day cost us the game.

“But I thought we’d started all right and didn’t deserve to lose.

“I thought we’d done enough to get something from it.

“We were on top for the whole second half, but for 15 to 20 minutes in the first half we just weren’t good enough and they punished us.

“I thought we were a better team than them but they took their chances, and Connor Wickham’s a handful.

“We’re disappointed we lost the game when we shouldn’t have.”

Duffy had made two Europa League appearances for Everton before Saturday’s league debut, and he was happy with how he fared: “It took me a bit of time to get into it, but I thought overall I did okay and hopefully I’ve done enough to progress.

“It was a great experience for me but at the end of the day it was all about the result and we didn’t get it.

“I’m delighted to be playing, but I’d rather have the three points.”

Selected ahead of the likes of Clarke Carlisle, Michael Duff and David Edgar, Duffy admitted it was a confidence boost to be selected by boss Eddie Howe: “I was delighted to get the nod to start.

“I’d got good centre halves ahead of me.

“It’s great confidence that the manager has in me.

“I’m just proud to play for Burnley and hopefully I can progress.”

His manager was also suitably impressed: “I thought Shane attacked the ball very well in the air.

“You can see that his game is one where he’ll give absolutely everything to the cause, so I was pleased with him.”

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Shane Duffy makes Burnley loan move

Everton's Irish U21 international Shane Duffy has joined promotion hopefuls Burnley on loan.

The 19-year-old Derry born centre half has been an unused substitute for David Moyes' side eight times this season. He has agreed an initial temporary move to Turf Moor before Thursday's deadline and will hope to build up his first-team experience.

Duffy joined Everton's Academy as a 16-year-old and after progressing through the Goodison Park ranks made his first-team debut in a Europa League tie in December 2009.

He will link up with the Burnley squad next week when he returns from Ireland Under 21 duty and could make his debut against Ipswich Town on 2nd April.

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Trapattoni thinks Gibson should consider Man United future

Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni believes it is crucial for Darron Gibson to play regular first-team football and has advised him to leave Manchester United.

The Derry born midfielder scored his first international goal in Ireland's 3-0 victory over Wales on Tuesday night, driving home a fantastic long-range effort.

Trapattoni is excited about the 23-year-old's potential but fears his career will not fully lift off while he remains at Old Trafford.

While the Italian can understand why anyone would want to play for such a major club, he feels it is more important for Gibson to get more experience.

Gibson has yet to cement a regular starting spot in the United midfield and often finds himself providing back-up to the other first-choice midfielders.

With competition for places so fierce, Trapattoni feels Gibson should start considering a future elsewhere.

"He can do more. He has a big potential. If I was Gibson I would go to another group where I always play," Trapattoni said on Sky Sports News.

"By doing this you can build your mentality.

"Manchester is Manchester and it is an important club, but sometimes the young players need to play, play and play. It builds confidence."

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Clubs jostle for Duffy loan move

Everton boss David Moyes has yet to decide on the best loan move for promising Irish full back Shane Duffy.

Everton recently refused a loan request from League two side Northampton Town for the young central defender and a number of Championship sides including Preston and Leeds United, and League one side Southampton are believed to have approached the Toffee’s looking to take the 18 year old Ireland international on loan.

Preston manager Darren Ferguson has been linked with an approach for Duffy as he looks to shore up his goal-leaking defence, and he attended the Everton reserve game on Monday to monitor Duffy’s progress.

Speaking after last night's defeat to Barnsley, Ferguson said: “I'm hoping to get three bodies in and I will be on the phone all day on Wednesday - the positions will become clear when they are done deals.”

It remains to be seen if Duffy will be joining Ferguson at Deepdale, or if another Championship club is deemed more suitable for Duffy’s continued progress.

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Moyes prepared to send Duffy on loan

Everton boss David Moyes feels the time may now be right to send promising young Irish international Shane Duffy out on loan to gain first team experience.

The Toffees are believed to be willing to allow the Derry born defender to go on loan, although he clearly remains firmly in Moyes plans, having made the bench for the recent Premiership clash with Spurs at White Heart Lane.

No doubt Moyes decision was swayed by the positive impact a loan spell at Blackpool last season had on the development of fellow Irish international Seamus Coleman and feels a similar experience would be hugely beneficial to 18 year old Duffy.

Moyes said: “I'd like to put Shane out on loan. We've been keeping an eye on him at first (since his injury) and keeping him indoors. He's very good in the air though, and could have come on against Crouch (v Tottenham). If we find the right club he could go on loan.”

Duffy has been progressing well since his return from the serious injury he sustained in an Irish training game accident back in May.

Everton recently refused a loan request from League two side Northampton Town for the young central defender and he is likely to be on the radar of a host of clubs looking to take the player on loan, now that the Toffee’s boss has decided he has recuperated enough from his horror injury.

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Shane Duffy remains firmly in Moyes plans

Ireland international Shane Duffy seems to be very much in the future plans of David Moyes after the Everton boss refused a request from Northampton Town to take the 18 year old central defender on loan.

Despite the return from injury of Phil Jagielka, Toffee’s boss Moyes is keen to keep the Derry born defender in his sights and its likely that Duffy will see first team football as the season progresses.

Duffy has made huge progress since his horror injury in May when he underwent life-saving surgery after suffering a freak accident in an Ireland training camp match, he suffered a laceration to his liver after colliding with Irish amateur team goalkeeper Adrian Walsh during the training match at Gannon Park.

Less than eight weeks after the injury, Duffy was back training at Everton and his progress has continued with his return as reserve team captain and his call up to the bench for the clash with Tottenham last weekend.

Earlier this month Duffy also played an important central defensive role as Ireland progressed to the elite stages of the European U19 championship with wins over Serbia and Luxemburg.

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Shay Given backs Wilson & Duffy's decision to play for Ireland

Shay Given has backed the FAI's policy of recruiting players born in the North of Ireland who are willing to commit their international future to the Ireland team.

And the Donegal man, who revealed that he was eligible to play for Northern Ireland as his late mother was born in the six counties, says that players should be allowed to make up their own minds on their international futures without being forced into a decision by officials from the IFA.

Given has welcomed the arrival of players like Marc Wilson from Antrim and Shane Duffy from Derry on the scene for Ireland.

"I could have played for Northern Ireland as my mum was from Castlederg in Tyrone, so it's up to the players," says Given, who was born in Lifford, Co Donegal, less than a mile across the border from Stranbane in Tyrone.

"As far as I am aware, it's up to the players to choose who they want to play for and I think it's great they want to pick Ireland," added Given.

Shane Duffy confirms Ireland international future

Shane Duffy, the talented teenage Everton centre-half, has decided that his international future lies with Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland rather than the North.

The Derry born defender rose to prominence with the 'Toffees' this season when making two appearances for Everton in the Europa League against BATE Borisov and AEK Athens.

Both Duffy and his family are delighted that the issue has now been resolved and he can look forward to following in the footsteps of Derry’s other senior Irish international, Darron Gibson.

"As you can imagine, myself and the rest of the family are thrilled to bits now that he has made his decision," declared Mr. Duffy.

"Shane told me it has always been his ambition to play for the Republic of Ireland. I for one can't believe that it is now done and I'm delighted."

Mr. Duffy claimed that his son's decision was based on furthering his professional career and he remained extremely grateful for the experience and education he gained as part of the N. Ireland underage international set-up.

"It's always been his childhood dream to play for the Republic," added Brian. "He was brought up through the N. Ireland ranks but as time moved on he felt he would benefit more from playing with the Republic.
"Shane holds no ill feelings whatsoever towards N. Ireland and he remains extremely grateful for the experience he gained when playing for the N. Ireland international squad at youth level."

The Football Association of Ireland have since invited the Duffy family as their guests to the forthcoming friendly international against Brazil in Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Tuesday next, March 2nd.

Mr. Duffy and his family, including Shane, have accepted that invitation and they expect to meet representatives of the FAI including former international and Arsenal legend, Liam Brady who, it's believed has been highly influential in securing the services of the Derry lad.