Sunderland's James McClean rules out Northern Ireland rethink
Sunderland's James McClean appears to have ruled out reversing his decision to declare for the Republic of Ireland.
McClean played for Northern Ireland at youth and Under-21 level but opted for the Republic last year after turning down a Northern Ireland senior call-up.
New Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill said earlier this week that McClean was on his "radar" but those hopes appear to have been dashed.
"I have declared myself for the Republic," McClean told the Irish News.
"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.
"Hopefully this now puts this matter to bed."
McClean, who moved to Sunderland from Derry City last August, revealed that he had been contacted by the new Northern Ireland manager in recent days.
"He rang me just to congratulate me about how the last two [Sunderland] games have gone and to see how I'm getting on.
"He said he would keep in touch with me and he'll call up and see me, which I appreciate, but I just want to put the Northern Ireland thing to bed now."
After a number of outings as substitute, the Derry-born player made his first Sunderland start in the New Year's Day win over Manchester City and he scored in the 4-1 win over Wigan on Tuesday.
Comment - The most telling parts of the article for me is this -
"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.
"Hopefully this now puts this matter to bed."
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"He said he would keep in touch with me and he'll call up and see me, which I appreciate, but I just want to put the Northern Ireland thing to bed now."
There really is no arguing with that.
Welcome aboard James. Look forward to seeing you in the next U21 squad
Mind's Made Up - Leave Me Alone
posted on 7/1/12
Good article Gibbo.
Apparently Mc Clean has become a target of the haters on Twitter much like what happened to Darron Gibson.
Don't these idiots realise that all they are doing is making playing for Nireland a less attractive option for him!!!
I'm sure he's looking at players like Hunt and Duff who are nearing the end of their International careers and thinking in about 2 years he could step into their shoes and become a regular in the Ireland team.
posted on 7/1/12
I still think if he keeps up his form between now and the end of the season he has a chance of making the squad as an impact player off the bench. Unlike our other wingers who are quite small he's a strapping big lad which is bound to appeal to Trap. Oh er missus....
posted on 7/1/12
Nice 1. Every player born in the 6 counties is entitled to declare for the Irish Republic soccer team. Michael O'Neill will not be able to stem the tide, he's wasting his time. Players of ambition from the North will play for the Republic.
posted on 8/1/12
Bid James favorite song, I wish I was back home in the place unionists insist on calling 'Londonderry'...........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCch_W2Ro38&feature=related
posted on 8/1/12
Think you will find CP if you look at any map of Northern Ireland it is called Londonderry lol..................
Anyway your a good Belfast man living in Northern Ireland, what you worried what its called lol..................
posted on 8/1/12
Seems like you are the one who's worried about what the city is called!!
I'm convinced the only reason you actually post your "articles" about Darron Gibson is to give you the opportunity to type the word "London" before Derry!!!
lol...... lol.....
posted on 9/1/12
Darren
Actually this is the first detailed map that came up when I googled map of ireland! Am I misreading Derry? Where is this Londonderry you speak of? http://www.our-wee-country.com/map-of-ireland-mrvisk.html