James McClean M Wrexham b.1989

[Carrigaline]

McClean is playing left-wing from what I can see.

[tricky_colour]

I think he is playing on the left side somewhere, that's the furthest side form the camera so hard to pick him out.
Arsenal are on their 3rd injury so far!

The last injury occurred to the guy tackling McClean.
Yep he seem to be on the left wing.

[DannyInvincible]

Good play by McClean there. Putting the Arsenal defence under pressure with his pace before hitting the side-netting after the ball came back into the box. Unlucky not to score.

[BonnieShels]

Another good run there to get the free from Sagna. We'll see more of him in this half.

[nigel-harps1954]

2-0 Sunderland now. Interesting.

[Yard of Pace]

The English co-commentator (don't know who it was) on the stream I was watching on picked out McClean and Sessegnon as the two stand-out performers today. Unbelievable work-rate from McClean, he said. I'd agree.

[theworm2345]

The English co-commentator (don't know who it was) on the stream I was watching on picked out McClean and Sessegnon as the two stand-out performers today. Unbelievable work-rate from McClean, he said. I'd agree.
I think you're referring to Andy Townsend :o

[Yard of Pace]

I think you're referring to Andy Townsend :o
Nah wasn't Andy, gimme a break! No one should be posting in here if they don't know what Townsend sounds like.:p I think the stream was from Fox Sports, with English commentators.

[Irish_Praha]

Nah wasn't Andy, gimme a break! No one should be posting in here if they don't know what Townsend sounds like.:p I think the stream was from Fox Sports, with English commentators.

Maybe Andros Townsend?

[nigel-harps1954]

McClean had a great second half. Watched the game today and he really ran his socks off. Never afraid to get stuck in and bossed the Arsenal defence around. Really is improving with every game.

[BonnieShels]

He was in space at every opportunity. it's a shame Sessegnon rarely looked left.

[Serb]

There was another interesting article in the Guardian about James (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/feb/17/james-mcclean-martin-oneill-sunderland) over the weekend. Seems like the British press is going wild about him. Here are a couple of select quotes:


[...] a winger who turns 23 in April is not only arguably the Premier League's discovery of the season, but he also offers hope to late developers everywhere.


If McClean's penchant for accelerating to the byline before whipping in crosses – ideally having beaten his full-back on the outside – make him seem something of a throwback, he comes equipped with 21st century accessories. Strong, quick, apparently fearless and, at 5ft 11in, reasonably tall, McClean possesses the sort of athlete's physique that explains why he – rather than the prolific yet less physically developed Noble – got a foot in the first-team door. It also means his game is not entirely reliant on wingers' tricks.

[tricky_colour]

He was in space at every opportunity. it's a shame Sessegnon rarely looked left.

Yea I noticed he hot into to good position a few times but the ball went the other side.

I'd say he played a part int he second goal too, I think he helped win the ball in the first place and then ran the length
of the pitch, the ball went the other side, but the fact he was up their on the left put pressure on the guy who got the
own goal, ie had he left it and allowed the ball to come out to the left of the goal McClean was there to pick it up.

Yep just had a look at it again, he was definitely involved in winning the ball near his own penalty area, ran the length of the pitch and if Chamberlain had not knocked it into his own net I think McClean would have been able to slot it in, it's just a question if it passed the other post before he got to it, if it hadn't all it needed was a touch, but once it passes the post the angle is very narrow. Not one of the Arsenal defenders picked him up either.

[Charlie Darwin]

I think full backs are starting to figure him out a bit. The last few games he hasn't been getting as many crosses in and Sagna just shepherded him inside every time. I think O'Neill will coach it into him that he has to keep defenders guessing though.

[tetsujin1979]

from the FAI's twitter feed: https://twitter.com/#!/FAIreland/statuses/171556614732652544 (https://twitter.com/#%21/FAIreland/statuses/171556614732652544)

James McClean and Paul Green have been called into the squad for the Czech Match
No word on who they're replacing

[Scooby Doo]

from the FAI's twitter feed: https://twitter.com/#!/FAIreland/statuses/171556614732652544

No word on who they're replacing
Delighted about McClean...but the idea of Paul Green even on standby for Euro 2012 absolutely terrifies me! Also, hope that the players they are replacing are not from the expected starting 11.

[TrapAPony]

Paul bloody Green :mad:...Delighted for McClean though:D

[Predator]

I don't think they're replacing anyone just yet. The FAI said the squad is simply enlarged to 26. They meet up on Sunday.

[legendz]

The right call has eventually been made. The footballing world has been more or less laughing at Trap since the surprise exclusion of McClean from the initial squad.

[ifk101]

The footballing world has been more or less laughing at Trap since the surprise exclusion of McClean from the initial squad.

:bigsmile:

[elroy]

In one sense, great hes called up.

In another why is Paul Green getting called up and also why the hell wasnt the squad initially at 26 so the likes of McClean could be included.

[Predator]

In one sense, great hes called up.

In another why is Paul Green getting called up and also why the hell wasnt the squad initially at 26 so the likes of McClean could be included.Trap's playing mind games with the Czechs.

[legendz]

In one sense, great hes called up.

In another why is Paul Green getting called up and also why the hell wasnt the squad initially at 26 so the likes of McClean could be included.

I think Green is being treated like a pawn. Trap didn't want to name McClean only to look like an embarrassing climb down though I'm sure he'll come out saying he monitored both since naming the squad.

[Closed Account]

why the hell wasnt the squad initially at 26 so the likes of McClean could be included.
Could be a number of reasons ranging from media to injuries to pressure. Doubt we'll find out for definite, but you have to assume that there is method to Giovanni's madness.

Cue uproar if he doesn't get on the pitch against the Czechs. (similiar to Coleman/Norway).

[BonnieShels]

I think Green is being treated like a pawn. Trap didn't want to name McClean only to look like an embarrassing climb down though I'm sure he'll come out saying he monitored both since naming the squad.

That's my thinking too. But I reckon trap was hoping one or other of McGeady or Coleman would pull out.

[Murfinator]

Its no harm, he needs to consider backup options for the Euro squad as well as the squad itself. You can't pick your traveling squad months in advance as you can't account for injuries, keeping the likes of McClean, Duffy and Green in the frame is a solid plan if they needed to replace someone because of injury.

Still disappointed theres no mention of Clark who I think was the most notable omission from the original squad. His ability to cover the entire back 4 and centre mid would be a great asset as a squad player.

[Charlie Darwin]

Clark is injured.

[Sullivinho]

Great news. He'll no doubt bust several guts in training in a bid to impress, I'd love to see him get a run.




Quite happy with McClean's callup too..

[geysir]

Everybody knows better than Trap on how the team should play and who should play in the team.
Sure, the man is a bluffer extraordinaire.
Isn't it blatantly obvious?

[AlaskaFox]

Its no harm, he needs to consider backup options for the Euro squad as well as the squad itself. You can't pick your traveling squad months in advance as you can't account for injuries, keeping the likes of McClean, Duffy and Green in the frame is a solid plan if they needed to replace someone because of injury.

Still disappointed theres no mention of Clark who I think was the most notable omission from the original squad. His ability to cover the entire back 4 and centre mid would be a great asset as a squad player.

He's injured. Out for 3 weeks I think.

[Carrigaline]

I think Green is being treated like a pawn. Trap didn't want to name McClean only to look like an embarrassing climb down though I'm sure he'll come out saying he monitored both since naming the squad.
The Russian teams are still in pre-season after a Winter break and McGeady has only just recovered from a shin injury, so he probably won't be match fit to start against the Czech Republic.

[johnnyc]

Jesus. Talk about a "do you want the good news or the bad news?" scenario. Still, if Trap had called McClean and one of Pilkington/Hoolahan/Brady up, we'd have unable to handle excitement.

Hope James gets a run out and doesn't sit on his arse like Coleman.

[SolitudeRed]

James is well pleased with the call up from what he has said on twitter...


absolutely buzzin and honoured to be called up to represent my country... best feeling there is #ROI (http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23ROI)

unfortunately some on twitter aren't so pleased, cringe alert...


Your from Londonderry you dirty wee t**t NI is your country and your a dirty rebel c**t go f**k yourself break a leg!!

[AlaskaFox]

"Break a leg" Ah that's nice, wishing him good luck.

[DannyInvincible]

Delighted for McClean. Great to have so many Derry/Donegal players featuring.


Great news. He'll no doubt bust several guts in training in a bid to impress, I'd love to see him get a run.




Quite happy with McClean's callup too..

The odd snort noise you just caused me to make through laughter kind of hurt my nose. Well played.

[Sullivinho]

@seamiecoleman23 (https://twitter.com/seamiecoleman23) @ShaneDuffy34 (https://twitter.com/ShaneDuffy34) cheers pal and am not gonna lie am bricken the singin the part ha

The rascal, letting on he doesn't know Amhrán na bhFiann off by heart! ;)

[Closed Account]

The rascal, letting on he doesn't know Amhrán na bhFiann off by heart! ;)I'd say there's a tradition where new squad members have to sing in front of the team or something. It'd make me **** bricks too.

[Charlie Darwin]

****ting bricks would be a far more impressive party trick than singing.

[Sullivinho]

I'd say there's a tradition where new squad members have to sing in front of the team or something. It'd make me **** bricks too.

Oh there is, without a doubt. I'd have to be plastered to even consider it.

[Predator]

I'd say there's a tradition where new squad members have to sing in front of the team or something. It'd make me **** bricks too.There is indeed. Seamus said that both Shane and James would be singing, but I'm sure that Shane sang before.

[Olé Olé]

I'd say there's a tradition where new squad members have to sing in front of the team or something. It'd make me **** bricks too.

Yeah, that's it. Shane Long mentioned in an interview that Reading have the same tradition. It turns out our Shane is quite handy at the aul guitar and has a nice voice to boot. Whether McClean is Derry male's answer to Nadine Coyle remains to be see.

Delighted for McClean, it's brilliant news. And there's definitely a method to the madness with regard Trap expanding the squad and not calling up James initially. I think it's clear he's also in Trap's plans for the Euro's. When there's a player excelling at Premiership level who holds attributes that Trap would value (work-rate, stamina etc.) and will improve the team then it would be silly not to pit them against Spain.

There's not much more he can do to work his way into Trap's plans short of donating a kidney to Trap.

[dantheman]

http://www.paddypower.com/football/football-specials/euro-2012-specials-betting?ev_oc_grp_ids=503682

Paddy Power have Jimmy Mac at 8/11 to make the Irish squad. Looking positive

[Colbert Report]

Ciaran Clark at 6/1 might be worth a small bet, as stated, he can provide injury cover for all four defensive positions plus central midfield.

[Charlie Darwin]

http://www.paddypower.com/football/football-specials/euro-2012-specials-betting?ev_oc_grp_ids=503682

Paddy Power have Jimmy Mac at 8/11 to make the Irish squad. Looking positive
Paddy's don't know any more than us, they're just responding to the surge in interest. It's far too uncertain for them to offer attractive odds.

Clark at 6/1 is worth a punt though.

[AlaskaFox]

Randolph 16/1 isn't bad either. Especially as an injury to any of the other three should see him called up.

[amaccann]

Great news, though am wondering what prompted the sudden change of heart. Trap's not exactly known to go by popular opinion, and there's no indication this is a replacement through injury.

[Royal rover]

i think he finally realised that he could fit into the system - he's more likely to play more PL football between now and the end of the season than Hunt, he's a nightmare for any full-back with his direct approach , i just hope he gets 20 min aganst the Czech's next week

[Charlie Darwin]

Serious question, do you think McClean would cause Sergio Ramos more problems than Duff or McGeady? Even Hunt's ripped a couple of quality full backs apart for us.

[Qwerty]

It will be interesting to see what impact McClean will have, whenever he gets a chance to bed into the squad. I've seen him play a few times for Sunderland where he benefits from much of the play going down his side due to Sessegnon favoring that side. He'll bring at minimum great attitude and high work rate. Beyond that I'm not sure what to expect at a higher level against better defenders, technically he is adequate. He seems a decent passer and crosser of the ball, he's a big lump who is direct. He's better than Lawrence and Hunt, and would provide a better option than either from the bench. His presence on the bench would probably be a motivator for McGeady and he'll be brought on when more direct options are required. He's a good option to have, I don't know what his potential is but I think his current fame will be temporary.

[AlaskaFox]

Piece I wrote for Goal about why McClean's call-up doesn't mean he'll be playing any time soon:
http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3920/features/2012/02/20/2917680/why-ireland-fans-shouldnt-get-too-carried-away-with-james