James McClean M Wrexham b.1989

[tricky_colour]

dam - just realised the game was on TV, i watched on a stream, it's still on ITV1+1 20 minutes left.
One thing I have noticed about McClean is that he has a tendency to put in low crosses
I have to assume these are intentionally low because I would find it hard to believe he can't get the ball more than a couple of feet in the air? Just seems odd that I think "I could do better than that!!"

Also he go hit by Neville's shoulder, at one point, I will look at that again when my recording has finished.
Yea he got a pretty solid shoulder to the jaw, looked pretty nasty, like a left hook to the jaw.
Just looked at it slow-mo, Neville made no attempt to get the ball he jumped early knowing McClean would not jump yet as the ball was way to high, so he could shoulder him in the face, shoudl have sent him off

[Colbert Report]

nmfss

[tricky_colour]

3:3 in the end, was looking forward to watch a Sunderland victory, I knew Balotelli would score when he was allowed to run
across the box towards the centre. 2 point dropped by Man City.

[DannyInvincible]

How did McClean play?

[tricky_colour]

How did McClean play?

Dunno I only caught some of the second half, didn't seem to involved in any of the goals as far as I am aware.

On Sky Sports ratings he was the 4 highest rates at 8.4

[EastTerracer]

Trap is keeping the door open for both McClean and James McCarthy according to the quotes in Wednesday's Irish Times
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0404/1224314345323.html

[DannyInvincible]

Trap is keeping the door open for both McClean and James McCarthy according to the quotes in Wednesday's Irish Times
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0404/1224314345323.html

Who are the 28 that deserve to go, I wonder?

[Stuttgart88]

Could Stephen Hunt's injury open the Trap door for McClean? (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/international/2012/0404/316117-hunt-will-see-specialist-once-more/)

Off the top of my head I reckon existing squad players whose places are under threat are

Hunt
Coleman
Foley
Fahey
Green

McClean, McCarthy and Wilson all have something to hope for.

[Charlie Darwin]

Interesting Trap mentioned Norwich alongside Wigan and Sunderland.

[paul_oshea]

He never mentoined stoke! And oshea is at sunderland so its not just for new players whose teams are involved...so I dont see wilson as benefitting stuts, but i do see him getting the nod potentially ahead of hunt/coleman due to their lack of fitness and game time.

If any of the above got injured i reckon Mclean would get his chance. NO one else to call up instead of Green and fahey can play on the wing even if a different wing to mcClean.

[Scooby Doo]

Could Stephen Hunt's injury open the Trap door for McClean? (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/international/2012/0404/316117-hunt-will-see-specialist-once-more/)

Off the top of my head I reckon existing squad players whose places are under threat are

Hunt
Coleman
Foley
Fahey
Green

McClean, McCarthy and Wilson all have something to hope for.
Curious as to why you think that Marc Wilson should have a hope of making the squad. He's having a great season, sure, but his relationship with Trap is less than good it seems and he has been left out of every squad in almost a year. I'd love to see him back. I think he offers versatility that we cannot afford to ignore. I reckon Trap thinks he lacks 'personalitee'. Can't see him having any chance - unless I've missed something over the last few days?

[Stuttgart88]

I know Wilson has got the cold shoulder recently but I do think that an injury could open the door for him.

McClean and McCarthy must be very close, after these two I reckon Wilson is closest to consideration, especially if Ward or O'Dea gets crocked before June.

[the bear]

surely clark is ahead of wilson, no?

[Carrigaline]

Could Stephen Hunt's injury open the Trap door for McClean? (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/international/2012/0404/316117-hunt-will-see-specialist-once-more/)

Off the top of my head I reckon existing squad players whose places are under threat are

Hunt
Coleman
Foley
Fahey
Green

McClean, McCarthy and Wilson all have something to hope for.
Hunt and Fahey will almost certainly be on the plane if fit, they have consistently been Trap's first choice backup's for Duff/McGeady and Whelan/Andrews.

My guess is we will take 3 goalkeepers, 7 defenders, 8 midfielders (4 wingers, 4 central midfielders) and 5 strikers. That means Green, McCarthy and Gibson are all fighting it out for the last central midfield spot and Coleman and McClean are fighting it out for the last winger spot. If Hunt is ruled out, then you'd imagine both Coleman and McClean could go.

[IsMiseSean]

I think Gibson is a shoe-in if he keeps starting for Everton until the end of the season.

[tetsujin1979]

surely clark is ahead of wilson, no?
Clark is still out injured

[Stuttgart88]

And Trap may prefer Wilson over Clark anyway. That's my instinct.

[the bear]

was wilson not available for the last friendly and overlooked? why would that change now

[Stuttgart88]

Because everyone was fit.

Of the 5 players I mentioned above they're either injured or not on great form. I agree that if everyone is fit Trap is very likely to go with who he has been loyal to, but I also think the door is slightly ajar in some instances. Wilson could yet make it if Ward or O'Dea gets injured.

[tricky_colour]

I think Gibson is a shoe-in if he keeps starting for Everton until the end of the season.


The fact Everton have won their last 5 games without conceding a goal is sure to go down well with Trap.
I have not seen a lot of him playing for Everton but I would imagine he is expected to play a defensive role?

[tetsujin1979]

The fact Everton have won their last 5 games without conceding a goal is sure to go down well with Trap.
I have not seen a lot of him playing for Everton but I would imagine he is expected to play a defensive role?
Yeah, he sits quite deep, which allows Fellaini to push forward

[Charlie Darwin]

Yeah, I think Gibson's place in Poland is set in stone barring an injury.

[the bear]

Yeah, I think Gibson's place in Poland is set in stone barring an injury.

hopefully in the starting lineup over whelan

[Yard of Pace]

hopefully in the starting lineup over whelan

I'd say there's more chance of me being employed as a deep-lying playmaker in the team than there is of Trap dropping Whelan.

[the bear]

I'd say there's more chance of me being employed as a deep-lying playmaker in the team than there is of Trap dropping Whelan.

we could do with a yard of pace around the box

[BonnieShels]

Anyone got a decent stream for todays game v Spurs

[DannyInvincible]

Should get something here: http://lshunter.net/

[Carrigaline]

McClean has looked off the pace for the match today. Just have to wonder is he a bit tired after all the games he's had?

[BonnieShels]

Should get something here: http://lshunter.net/

Cheers got one on First Row.

He looked knackered today. But still had a certain class about him.

[Predator]

How did he play today? Who was he up against, Hibbert or Neville?

[Carrigaline]

How did he play today? Who was he up against, Hibbert or Neville?
He was up against Tony Hibbert, other than kicking a few Everton players, you wouldn't have known he was on the pitch. In fairness, his colleagues were pretty poor too.

[Predator]

Is that three games against Everton and three anonymous performances?

[Charlie Darwin]

I was surprised he played. O'Neill picked basically the same line-up that came through a tough game with Spurs two days ago. Everton's fresher legs seem to have made the difference. O'Neill was similarly guilty of not rotating his starting line-up at Villa, which is why they always slipped out of the top four in the final weeks of the season.

[DannyInvincible]

McClean interview with Dion Fanning in yesterday's Independent: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/no-rest-for-the-gifted-on-mccleans-journey-to-the-top-3081196.html

[Sullivinho]

Had a read of that one yesterday, good insight into the fella's character. Fitness fanatic by the sound of it and doesn't touch a drop of drink. Had to laugh at the description of him comin' in from school, getting stuck into the football videogame and wondering where the evening went. Story of my teenage, 'Pro Evolution Soccer' addled life!

[Charlie Darwin]

Interesting.


Republic of Ireland assistant manager Marco Tardelli watched McClean on Saturday, and the Irish FA yesterday confirmed to The Journal that they will have a scout at all four of Sunderland’s final league matches.

http://www.journallive.co.uk/safc/safc-news/2012/04/17/james-mcclean-must-adapt-insists-martin-o-neill-61634-30773720/#ixzz1sUbKhOCu

[Stuttgart88]

Don't the IFA get the message? :)

[SwanVsDalton]

He's close, real close to going now. Was skeptical at the start, and honestly don't think Trap will take him - but I hope he does. He'd be an in-form bolter and breath of fresh air for the squad.

Always think a young enthusiastic talent can add something to a tourney squad. And unlike a Walcott, I think he's got the attitude to handle any extra attention.

Re McClean's fitness fanaticism - Derry coaches had to tell him to stop doing roadwork during pre-season for fear he'd do himself an injury. Suspicion was he agreed but kept doing it and didn't let on...

[jbyrne]

He's close, real close to going now. Was skeptical at the start, and honestly don't think Trap will take him - but I hope he does. He'd be an in-form bolter and breath of fresh air for the squad.

Always think a young enthusiastic talent can add something to a tourney squad.

agree, can see him being the WC2002 steven reid version of the squad, if selected.

[paul_oshea]

Great insight there.

Mcclean has gone a little quiet the last few games, because i think he is a bit too direct, he doesn't seem to have the same sorta control on the ball as say bale does when running at defenders. Its all got a bit of Coleman about it, and the way everyone is vying for him to be included automatically,but look at coleman now? Its like one season wonder football teams in the PL , and their managers too, look at blackpool and ian holloway, Tony Mowbray when with West Brom at first too.

Thats not to say that while they are performing at that level they shouldn't be included, i think they should but then they can and should be dropped again when the form goes and/or they are found out.

[Stuttgart88]

My mate from Derry reckons he'll be at Tranmere in 2 years' time!

[SkStu]

have to agree generally Paul. Not convinced yet that he is the real deal. Next season will be telling. Needs to add more to his game. The one thing he definitely has going for him is he is a decent and natural left-sided player which is a rarity in England. Still only a prospect from my perspective...

[AlaskaFox]

Even if Premier League teams do work out his directness next season, he can still offer us something in Poland. I'd prefer the full-steam ahead approach of McClean to Hunt as a late impact sub against the likes of Croatia.

[CraftyToePoke]

Even if Premier League teams do work out his directness next season, he can still offer us something in Poland. I'd prefer the full-steam ahead approach of McClean to Hunt as a late impact sub against the likes of Croatia.


I think you could argue PL sides have gotten a bit of a handle on him already, its now up to him to overcome that and develop his game. He has the raw materials to do that and it will be intriguing to see how he does on that front next season and beyond. I am inclined to hold judgment on him a while yet and wouldn't be surprised if Trap does likewise in the final selection.

Each spot is precious in that final squad, you have to know exactly what each player will give you, and McClean could go one way or the other, he could inspire, or he could be ineffective as he has been of late. Its a very tricky call but a bad tournament would be hard to recover from for him, when given a bit of time, in two years he may be definitely ready and really bring something to the table. Or not, but at least there would be certainty.

[SwanVsDalton]

Thats not to say that while they are performing at that level they shouldn't be included, i think they should but then they can and should be dropped again when the form goes and/or they are found out.

Agreed. If the tourney was this time last year, I'd say include Coleman. He's very much an example of second season syndrome, but if a young player is flying then take them now when they're in form and deal with any drop off in form when it happens.

McClean's got his head up - claiming a place in the squad would only make him more confident and he'd play like he had nothing to lose if he was thrown on as an impact sub in the group games.

[geysir]

I don't know how that would function, that a manager would decide on a squad of players he can work with over a qualification period, then drop a player based on club form, don't call him up for a squad meet? Or if a player like Coleman returning after injury, freeze him out of the squad? It's bad enough that the national team only plays 6 (or so) real games in a year, but if there's a revolving door policy based on club form, what chance is there for any consistency in the team? or confidence being imposed in the young players who are making their mark in the squad?

I prefer to have a settled squad (with a few on standby) and a settled team. Should we have a friendly next week, I'd prefer a coach who doesn't cast Coleman out of the squad on the basis of a couple of mistakes he makes coming into his dysfunctional club team, after a period of niggling injuries. I prefer the coach who would call up Coleman to the squad and appraise how he's able to function for us.

[Olé Olé]

Valid point about Premiership sides getting a handle on him, but in a game likes the Wolves game it appeared that he was getting quite a lot of attention and doubled on at times.

He'd come up against Corluka against Croatia which isn't an overly-daunting proposition for him. Against Spain it'd be Ramos, who is quite a good player going forward, but is prone to defensive lapses. McClean's tireless running to track back Ramos' forward surges would be beneficial and, obviously, he'd be expected to tuck in to attempt to cope with the awesome Spanish midfield. As regards Italy, I'm not quite familiar with Balzaretti or Abate.

Basically, the crux of my point is that, while McClean is putting in less awe-inspiring results than he was a month or so back, he could still do a job for Ireland, most likely as an impact sub because Duff will start, injuries permitting. Trap needs to decide whether Hunt or McClean would be more effective in this role and I think McClean is the better option. As we've stated, that doesn't mean Trap will go with him and Hunt has more than every chance to be in the squad but the Euro's could be the next stage for McClean to surprise a few people, as he did with the Premiership. It would be difficult for the other managers (Bilic, Del Bosque and Prandelli) to tailor their tactics mindful of the possibility that McClean could come in for the last 20 minutes or so of their games against Ireland, I think they'd be more concerned with Duff and McGeady starting from the off. In this instance, the door would be open for McClean to come in and cause riot.

[drummerboy]

I have to say I think McClean is a perfect player to spring from the bench in the Euros. He is a type of player that continental teams will not have come against too often and could create havoc in opposition defences.

[SwanVsDalton]

I don't know how that would function, that a manager would decide on a squad of players he can work with over a qualification period, then drop a player based on club form, don't call him up for a squad meet? Or if a player like Coleman returning after injury, freeze him out of the squad?

That would always be my basic feeling on squad building. But there's always room for a wild card when it comes to a tournament and no player could really argue McClean wouldn't warrant it at this stage.

It would be hard on someone to miss out, but the benefits outweigh the negatives at this point. If McClean didn't go I could see the logic mind you and I think loyalty and consistency are two of this side's major plus points.

[BonnieShels]

Valid point about Premiership sides getting a handle on him, but in a game likes the Wolves game it appeared that he was getting quite a lot of attention and doubled on at times.

He'd come up against Corluka against Croatia which isn't an overly-daunting proposition for him. Against Spain it'd be Ramos, who is quite a good player going forward, but is prone to defensive lapses. McClean's tireless running to track back Ramos' forward surges would be beneficial and, obviously, he'd be expected to tuck in to attempt to cope with the awesome Spanish midfield. As regards Italy, I'm not quite familiar with Balzaretti or Abate.

Basically, the crux of my point is that, while McClean is putting in less awe-inspiring results than he was a month or so back, he could still do a job for Ireland, most likely as an impact sub because Duff will start, injuries permitting. Trap needs to decide whether Hunt or McClean would be more effective in this role and I think McClean is the better option. As we've stated, that doesn't mean Trap will go with him and Hunt has more than every chance to be in the squad but the Euro's could be the next stage for McClean to surprise a few people, as he did with the Premiership. It would be difficult for the other managers (Bilic, Del Bosque and Prandelli) to tailor their tactics mindful of the possibility that McClean could come in for the last 20 minutes or so of their games against Ireland, I think they'd be more concerned with Duff and McGeady starting from the off. In this instance, the door would be open for McClean to come in and cause riot.

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