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.''

James McClean already focused on Irish World Cup qualifying campaign

Ireland international James McClean is already focused on Ireland's upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign and is hoping that Giovanni Trapattoni gives him the game time so he can show some of the excellent form witnessed at club level last season.

The Derry born winger saw only 14 minutes of competitive action for Ireland in the European Championships but is keen to claim a starting berth in the qualifiers which starts away to Kazakhstan in September.

Many were surprised that McClean played such a peripheral role during the Euro finals and it is hoped that after such a poor performance by the Irish team in Poland that Trapattoni will realise that changes are required if the team is to progress to the World Cup finals in Brazil in 2014.

The Ireland friendly away to Serbia in August will be an interesting guide to see if Trap is prepared to change his rigid selection policy and start young, talented prospects like James McClean and Wigan's James McCarthy.

“We have to do our best to qualify,” McClean said. “Germany are flying at the minute and Sweden are a tough side but there are other good teams there also and we know it’s not going to be easy.

“But we have to take confidence into it and believe that we can qualify. The World Cup is the biggest stage in the world and you can show what you can do. I want to be there with Ireland.

“It was great to get my competitive debut against Spain but on a personal level I was disappointed not to get more playing time,” he added. “I always thought I would get a run-out at some stage.

“I was disappointed when I didn’t get the start against Spain because, just like any player, you want to play as many minutes as possible.

“When the manager told me I was coming on during the Spain match it was obviously exciting, but it was no surprise that he didn’t make changes because he said that he was going to use the players that had got Ireland there.

“It was disappointing but understandable that he stuck with the players.

“Hopefully as we go on I can get more playing time and repay the confidence they’ve shown in me,” he concluded.

O'Neill praise for outstanding McClean

Ireland international James McClean capped off a great few days with a man of the match display as Sunderland defeated QPR at the Stadium Of Light.

fresh from signing a new Black Cats contract yesterday, the Derryman set up the first goal, added one of his own before playing a crucial role in the third to secure a 3-1 victory over QPR.

And today's impressive display did not go unnoticed by manager Martin O'Neill who showered praise on the Irish winger.

"I thought he was outstanding today, absolutely outstanding. And to be perfectly honest he's been outstanding since he came into the limelight," O'Neill told Sky Sports.

"I think (it was a) great performance by him today and he's earned every penny of it and he's been a great boost to the football club here in his time.

"He's got a great attitude to it. Not just a great attitude, he's got a great ability as well as he's shown this afternoon, I thought he was outstanding and I'm obviously delighted for him."

The 22-year-old penned an improved deal until the end of the 2014-15 season yesterday having signed from Derry City for just £350,000 last summer.

McClean's continued progress has also given Irish boss Giovanni Trapattoni more food for thought ahead of his squad selection for Euro 2012.

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McGeady urges Derry duo to seize their opportunity

Ireland winger Aiden McGeady has urged Derry duo Shane Duffy and James McClean to take their chance this week to impress Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni.

Duffy and McClean were not in Trapattoni's original squad for the Czech Republic friendly, but are now in line to make their international debuts on Wednesday night at Lansdowne Road.

A combination of Richard Dunne's shoulder injury and impressive defensive displays for Everton in recent months has seen Duffy return to the senior international set-up.

This week will be the 20-year-old centre-back's first opportunity with the senior squad since he ruptured his hepatic artery in a training match in May 2010 and Trapattoni said yesterday that Duffy is likely to feature at some point during the Czech Republic friendly.

Fellow Derry man McClean was added to the squad last week and Trap will be hoping to see some of his impressive recent club displays for Sunderland transfer to the international stage.

"This is the last real game before the Euros it is a big chance for everyone to impress and get in the manager's final squad selection," said McGeady.

"I was actually with James coming back in the car from the airport. We just spoke briefly. The two boys came in today for the first training session. The two of them done well and will be good additions to the squad.

"You have got the chance to impress the manager in training, but game time is when it really counts. It is up to them and it is a great opportunity for them."

The Russian season does not start until the 5th of March, so McGeady's pre-season training has meant he has seen little of McClean's rapid progress in the Premiership.

McGeady said: "The last month or so I have been everywhere in training camps. I have not seen much football. I have seen bits here and there.

"From what I know he has been performing well and he looks a really good prospect. Direct and pacey.

"He looks as if he has got a good cross on him as well and a knack of scoring goals. He has been doing really well. He's obviously worthy of his call-up."

With Trapattoni saying that McClean could play on either wing, the Sunderland man's inclusion could be seen to be competition for McGeady.

However, the former Celtic midfielder welcomes any contest for his starting place and feels it can only benefit the team.

"It is the same at club level. There are always players vying for the same position," McGeady said.

"Of course if there is somebody who is going to take your place, then you up your game. I try to up my game anyway, but obviously if I do people will say it is down to someone breathing down my neck.

"The more players you have got playing at the top of their game, playing in the Premiership, then of course it is going to be healthy for the squad."

With just over three months to Ireland's opening game in Euro 2012 McGeady freely admits that the excitement of playing in his first major tournament is leading to a few restless night's.

"I wake up at night dreaming about it just," he laughed.

"You just want to get to a major finals. Now we have to make sure we stay fit and give ourselves the best possible chance to shine at the Euros.

"Everyone is absolutely buzzing for it and still on a high from last November. We are looking forward to the initial gathering at the end of May and then the championships themselves. It is going to be fantastic.

"We weren't expected to qualify and we did, but now we are there we are going to do everything we can to get out of the group. We are in a very tough group.

"Our record has been good against Italy over the last few years. We played [Croatia] not so long ago and we drew 0-0.

"Spain are obviously the favourites to win the whole competition. But it is not totally unrealistic for us to get out of the group. We have a good set of players and we are due a place in the tournament. We'll see what happens. We'll give ourselves every chance."

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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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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O'Shea praise for James McClean impact

Sunderland's experienced Ireland international defender John O'Shea has spoken of the positive impact James McClean has had on the team since emerging on to the scene as a substitute in the 2-1 win over Blackburn on December 11. McClean’s impact has gradually increased and he has started in each of Sunderland’s last three games.

The Derry born left winger who has expressed a desire in joining O'Shea in the green of Ireland in the near future, has taken the Premiership by storm with his impressive wing play and strength on the ball. And McClean's chances of a call-up by Trapattoni received a boost yesterday when Trap commented "We have time, one month, two months before we will write the list of players. We are considering him, 100%. We just don't want to put him under pressure. That is important for him, he's 22-year old"

Speaking ahead of Sunderland's trip to Stamford Bridge for the Premiership clash with Chelsea O'Shea said “James has put in a number of brilliant performances and he’s done it all off his own back.

“No one has had to guide him through and already after a few games he looks like he can develop into a great player and be an important part of the squad.

“He causes so many problems for the opposition. He’s quick, he’s strong and he’s got a lot to his game. He gets into great positions and he’s been rewarded for that with the goals he’s scored.

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Northern born players committed to Ireland's cause

Despite the recent bold pronouncements by new NI boss Michael O’Neill regarding his intention to stop players from the North opting to play for Ireland rather than his IFA team, it would seem, going by player statements in the past week, that his misguided mission is likely to continue falling on deaf-ears with players and supporters alike.

Last Week Derry born Sunderland wonder-winger James McClean again reiterated his intention to seek selection to Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland squad. "I have declared myself for the Republic and that's where I see my international future. If I don't get called up, then I'll live with that but I have confidence in my own ability that I will get a call-up at some stage with the Republic of Ireland”.

"I can only imagine what it would be like to play for Ireland at a tournament like that. I remember the last time they were at a finals, in 2002, everyone in Derry was watching the team then, and for me to make the squad would be unbelievable”.

Today Marc Wilson, the Stoke City midfielder from Aghagallon in County Antrim said on the Stoke website "I have always seen myself as a Republic of Ireland player. I supported them when I was growing up and if I have to continue to bide my time and wait for my chance to come along, I am happy to do that."

Wilson has represented Ireland at u19, u21 and senior level, although he has yet to play in a competitive senior international for Trapattoni.

He added: "I would love to play for them, though, one day and I have made that clear before a number of times. Hopefully, my time will come in the future. I would love to try to be part of the squad for the European finals, but if that doesn't happen, then I will keep working hard here at Stoke and try to earn a spot in the Ireland team."

"I made the decision a few years ago (to represent Ireland) without having my head turned by anybody, and I am sticking by that. It is something I am comfortable with."

And following on from McClean & Wilson’s statements of commitment to the Irish cause, Shane Duffy the Derry born Ireland U21 international has also reiterated his desire to one day make the grade for Trap’s senior squad.

Speaking in the Irish Mail on Sunday last weekend Duffy said “ When I was a young lad growing up all I ever wanted to do was play for Ireland, nothing else. My heroes were Paul McGrath, Roy Keane and Robbie Keane. Nobody from Ireland ever got in touch with me when I was younger. I was part of the NI squad, but when Liam Brady phoned me up to ask me to play for Ireland there was never a chance I was going to say no”

Perhaps the time is now right for Michael O’Neill and the IFA to concentrate on players who feel some affiliation or bond to Northern Ireland, rather than continually attempting to disrupt the international ambitions of Irish players born in the North, who are simply following their childhood dream of pulling on an Ireland shirt and representing their nation at the Aviva Stadium.

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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.

McClean upbeat about future

Former Derry City winger James McClean made an impressive debut last weekend after new Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill gave the 22 year old his chance to shine at the stadium of light, and the Irish international hopeful duly obliged by delighting the Wearside faithful with a stunning impact performance after entering as a second-half substitute.

McClean, who recently stated that it was his dream to represent Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland side, will have done his future international prospects no harm with his eye-catching Sunderland debut.

Signed by previous manager Steve Bruce in a £350,000 summer buy from Derry City, first-team opportunities have been hard to come by.

However, when given one by O’Neill, McClean grasped it with both hands and played a key role in the Black Cats’ dramatic comeback.

He said: “When I arrived, I just wanted to get into the team as soon as possible.

“I did not honestly expect it to be as quick as it has been.

“I came here with the mindset of working hard every day in training, trying to improve as a player and eventually getting into the team.

“Now I am just delighted to get my debut out of the way, but I am not taking anything for granted, I know it is only one game.

“I will continue with what I have been doing in training and try to improve.”

Of his debut, McClean revealed any pre-match nerves he might have had were eased by a quiet word from O’Neill prior to coming on the pitch.

He added: “It was not a bad debut at all with the manager’s first game in charge and to get the win as well. It was an all-round good day.

“I just came on and played my own game and it was a great moment. The manager just told me to go on, play my normal game and not be nervous.

“That gave me the confidence to just go on and do what I have been doing in the reserves.”

Last weekend’s win over Blackburn ended a winless run of five games for Sunderland and McClean has credited new gaffer O’Neill for providing the spark to inspire the team to victory.

He continued: “The new manager has come in and been a breath of fresh air.

“He has given the lads a lot of confidence by being upbeat. It has rubbed off on the players.

“Training has been different as every manager has their own style, but there have not been big changes.

“You could see what it meant to the fans to have Martin O’Neill.

“For him to gain a win in his first game in charge made it the perfect day.

“His managerial record speaks for itself. When you are a player like myself coming through the ranks, it gives you a confidence boost when there is someone like him in charge

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Trapattoni to keep close eye on McClean progress

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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