Sunderland ace James McClean set for Republic call up
INTERNATIONAL CALL? ... James McClean looks set to be called up by the Republic of Ireland.
JAMES McClean was set to be named in the Republic of Ireland squad today – as he makes a late surge for a shock spot at the Euro 2012 Finals.
McClean was poised to be included in Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad for the first time, with the 22-year-old’s meteoric rise at Sunderland not going unnoticed by the Ireland management.
But as well as being a huge boost to the left-winger, the Sunderland man’s former club Derry City will also receive a financial bonus as a consequence.
Trapattoni’s assistant Marco Tardelli has watched McClean in action on several occasions, and he should feature in Ireland’s friendly with the Czech Republic at the Aviva Stadium on February 29.
But McClean’s call-up will cost Sunderland financially, with part of the deal taking him to the Stadium of Light involving a payment to Derry if he received any international caps.
Derry chairman Philip O’Doherty said: “As part of James’ deal to Sunderland we have a clause in it stating we would receiving a certain sum of money if he received any international caps.
“James is playing really well wait at the minute, and I think they (Republic of Ireland) would be mad if they didn’t call him up for a friendly.”
Boss Hails Sunderland Hero McClean
Trapattoni had pledged to keep faith with those who helped secured qualification to this summer’s European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.
But such has been McClean’s impact in a meagre nine starts for Sunderland, that the winger has forced his way into the Italian’s thinking, though he has limited opportunities to force his way into the Euro 2012 squad, with Ireland facing just three friendlies before the tournament gets underway.
It still represents a remarkable rise to fame for the wide man, who was playing League of Ireland football last season before being signed by former Sunderland boss Steve Bruce in August for £350,000.
However, he was limited to reserve-team appearances until Bruce was replaced by Martin O’Neill, and has made a huge impact in the Black Cats’ turnaround in fortunes, scoring twice.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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