James McClean M Wrexham b.1989

[tricky_colour]

http://www.adthe.us/streams/CreepyTV4.html

Lovely goal there, shades of Roberto Carlos against France.

Just seen the goal in download quality, that was a real cracker, couldn't really see much on the crap stream I had.
I expect that will clocking up some views on youtube!

[Olé Olé]

Smashing finish, delighted for the lad. O'Neill's confidence in him is being repaid. What are the chances of McClean and Pilkington on the flanks for the next friendly? Quite unlikely, given Trap's conservative approach to friendlies, but fairly justifiable on the basis of form.

[DannyInvincible]

Goals here: http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos...-sunderland-4/

Sammon unfortunate not to be awarded Wigan's goal as it looked like he took a bit of a swing at it rather than Rodallega's shot simply having deflected off him unwittingly. Difficult to know for sure...

[geysir]

And Aiden "McGeedy" or "McGaydy" like Liam Brady says?

Neither, it's McGeddy.

How is McGeady pronounced in Donegal?

[ArdeeBhoy]

Last 5 minutes of the Kazakh away game will be his test.

[ifk101]

The amount of pats on the back he got last night coming off the field. Hope he didn't pick up an injury.

[Murfinator]

Smashing finish, delighted for the lad. O'Neill's confidence in him is being repaid. What are the chances of McClean and Pilkington on the flanks for the next friendly? Quite unlikely, given Trap's conservative approach to friendlies, but fairly justifiable on the basis of form.

Justifiable because he's started 2 games? "lol"

It would be downright pointless given the number of wingers we have ahead of them. Coleman is the next in line to be given his chance anyways. He'll probably play Hunt/Coleman or Hunt/Fahey in the next friendly game. Those are the guys behind Duff/McGeady and those are the guys who need the gametime to stake their claim. Trap will justifiably ignore flavour of the month players.

[Closed Account]

There's no need to go clamouring for a McClean callup, I'd let him know that the management have an eye on him, but that he won't be considered for Euro 2012, take some pressure off him.
He has plenty of time in his career to become a full international.

Missed it at the time but Harry Redknapp picked him out as one to watch in 2012

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/sunsport_columnists/4020547/Harry-Redknapps-six-to-follow-in-2012.html

James McClean, Sunderland


CAT TO THE FUTURE ... McClean can make the grade



THE first I knew of McClean was when he came on as a sub during Martin O'Neill's first game in charge of Sunderland.

He's a good, old-fashioned left winger who gets the crowd excited as soon as he gets the ball and whips in just the sort of crosses a striker like Nicklas Bendtner needs.
Steve Bruce took a punt on McClean in the summer and paid £350,000 to sign him from Derry City when other Premier League clubs hesitated.
At 22, he's not exactly a kid. But he will really benefit if John Robertson — one of the finest wingers of all time — follows his old pal O'Neill to Sunderland to become one of his coaches.

[shakermaker1982]

Wildcard pick for 2012 squad? If he keeps on impressing then you never know.

[Supreme feet]

It would be downright pointless given the number of wingers we have ahead of them. Coleman is the next in line to be given his chance anyways. He'll probably play Hunt/Coleman or Hunt/Fahey in the next friendly game. Those are the guys behind Duff/McGeady and those are the guys who need the gametime to stake their claim. Trap will justifiably ignore flavour of the month players.

For once, I agree with you. We have two friendlies to get things fine-tuned for the tournament, it's not like Trap has a great number of opportunities to try out new players, formations or tactics. We're certainly not stuck for wingers, in any case.

McClean looks useful - decent control, enthusiasm and pace - but his crossing was poor against Man City, with balls often failing to beat the first man, so that's one thing he needs to work on. Reminds me slightly of Hunt when he first came on the scene, but perhaps with more potential for improvement. He's certainly not the finished product, but hopefully he'll continue to develop and push for a squad place in the autumn.

[geysir]

Crosses not clearing the first man is an endemic feature in the epl and experienced players are also plagued by this.
Last night's Mnn City v Liverpool was one of many such examples where the ball, repeatedly, did not beat the first man.
I don't think it should even be used to highlight a weakness in a young player.

[SwanVsDalton]

McClean looks useful - decent control, enthusiasm and pace - but his crossing was poor against Man City, with balls often failing to beat the first man, so that's one thing he needs to work on. Reminds me slightly of Hunt when he first came on the scene, but perhaps with more potential for improvement. He's certainly not the finished product, but hopefully he'll continue to develop and push for a squad place in the autumn.

He's a very, very good crosser. That part of his game will come good. If he maintains fitness then he's a winner - and considering Sunderland sources consider him the fittest player on their books, despite playing regular football since February, then it hopefully won't be a problem.

[Supreme feet]

I don't think it should even be used to highlight a weakness in a young player.

McClean is only a year younger than Keith Treacy, who, in my opinion, is a more technically assured player. But as I said, the more games at a high level, the more McClean can improve and show his ability, and he definitely seems to have the right attitude.

[geysir]

The best part is that McClean has done enough to put himself into contention to be played and let's see what he makes of the opportunities that will come.

I would have preferred a slow burn improvement with Sunderland's performance and not MON's hyped up messiah like qualities, delivered with (duo expresso) panache, burning his inauguration trail with sudden victory after victory.

[pineapple stu]

Goals here: http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos...-sunderland-4/

Sammon unfortunate not to be awarded Wigan's goal as it looked like he took a bit of a swing at it rather than Rodallega's shot simply having deflected off him unwittingly. Difficult to know for sure...

Sammo's reaction indicates he thinks he scored I think. Though I haven't seen a good angle (behind the goal preferably) to see for sure how much he knew about it and how much of a deflection it took. For an own goal, the shot has to change from going wide/into the keeper's hands to going into the net. That's presumably the criterion here as well. So if Rodallega's shot was going in anyway, it's probably his goal.