James McClean M Wrexham b.1989

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by joe_denilson

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.

http://www.paddypower.com/football/f...grp_ids=503682

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

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.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dantheman

http://www.paddypower.com/football/f...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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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/...way-with-james

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by AlaskaFox

Piece I wrote for Goal about why McClean's call-up doesn't mean he'll be playing any time soon:

---

I've lost all respect for you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by theworm2345

I've lost all respect for you.

---

You had some before now?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by AlaskaFox

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

---

Your man who posted that has deleted his account.

That's unfortunate..

had a funny feeling mccleans call up was coming. anyone think its traps way of keeping him grounded? i reckon he knows what hes doing, paul green is thrown in their to keep mcclean from getting a big head too

I think that's closer to the mark. Things have been moving fast for McClean since he broke into the first team with a bullet.
All of a sudden he's supposed to be the man to carry the hopes of his club and country.

Green has been playing well for Derby since he returned from injury but I thought we were past needing him.

Last I looked, Trap doesn't call players up for the craic.

not for the craic its for the benefit of the squad, gently breaking a rising star in without stepping on anyones toes, maybe he feared ill will from squad members if he was thrown right in. do you think he will get game time? i do

as for green do you honestly think he's in the running for a place on plane, i doubt he will get on for czech match

I'm not sure whether he feared any ill will by not calling him up because, as he stated in the most recent press conference, he didn't call up McClean initially so as to preserve the continuity of the current group.

Yeah, he surely will get a run. I think it's as simple as this: if he performs well against the Czechs and is well received by the group then Stephen Hunt will be warned that his place on the plane to Poland is not certain. Whether Trap is actually willing to drop Hunt, I'm not sure. But I think there's more function to calling up McClean than bedding in.

i wouldn't like to see hunt dropped but i also hope mcclean can come in and make an impact, there could be a few tough decisions for trap come the summer. whats your view on teh reasonng behind the late call up

I can't be quite sure. All we can do at the moment is speculate. But there was definitely a reason for it. Maybe to keep everyone guessing about whether McClean will be considered for the squad for the actual Euro's, the Spaniards, Croats and Italians included.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by geysir

Things have been moving fast for McClean since he broke into the first team with a bullet.
All of a sudden he's supposed to be the man to carry the hopes of his club and country.

---

At least he didn't have some 'kind soul' send him one...

Video interview with McClean about his call-up at the Brandywell last night: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17107746

MEP for Foyle, Colum Eastwood, has congratulated McClean on senior call-up: http://www.sdlp.ie/index.php/newsroo...o_irish_squad/

Quote:

---

SDLP Foyle MLA, Colum Eastwood, has congratulated James McClean on his call up to the Irish squad for the forthcoming friendly against the Czech Republic. Mr Eastwood said that James was a credit to himself, his family and to Derry City and would undoubtedly prove his worth at international level for Ireland.

Mr Eastwood said: ‘I am delighted that James McClean has been called up to the Irish squad, well deserved after his performances for Sunderland over the last number of months.

‘James now has the opportunity to show off his abilities at international level, abilities which Derry City FC fans know well.

‘This will hopefully mark the beginning of a long and successful career for Ireland.

‘All of Derry wishes him well in the coming friendly match and hope this may be the lead in to call up for the Republic squad for the Euro 2012 championships in Poland and the Ukraine.’

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by the bear

i wouldn't like to see hunt dropped but i also hope mcclean can come in and make an impact, there could be a few tough decisions for trap come the summer. whats your view on teh reasonng behind the late call up

---

Personally I would be happy to see McCleanand Pilkington in ahead of Hunt on grounds of sheer ability. Hunt is a likeable bloke, he's committed and enthusiastic but painfully limited. If we had room in the squad for a mascot Hunt would be in contention, but he should not be playing international football ahead of players who clearly have more to offer and are performing more consistently.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by third policeman

Personally I would be happy to see McCleanand Pilkington in ahead of Hunt on grounds of sheer ability. Hunt is a likeable bloke, he's committed and enthusiastic but painfully limited. If we had room in the squad for a mascot Hunt would be in contention, but he should not be playing international football ahead of players who clearly have more to offer and are performing more consistently.

---

from what i have seen of him i think mcclean could offer a lot particularly as an impact sub.
however, no one can know that he or pilkington (has he even declared for us?) will actually offer more than hunt does at international level.

hunt is a very good player, who has been very good for us and in the premierleague over a number of seasons. admittedly he is not on a very good run of form at the minute, but i would only leave him out as a last resort. i think he is a very effective player and better technically than a lot give him credit for. an numerous occasions his introduction has swung games in our favour.

mcclean needs to be in the squad but i think theres room for both of them.(ie. coleman goes as full back cover also)

pilkington has been no better than ive seen hunt play and hasn't even declared for us. (last i heard he said hed think about it if we asked him). how you would consider bringing him instead of hunt is beyond me

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by third policeman

Personally I would be happy to see McCleanand Pilkington in ahead of Hunt on grounds of sheer ability. Hunt is a likeable bloke, he's committed and enthusiastic but painfully limited. If we had room in the squad for a mascot Hunt would be in contention, but he should not be playing international football ahead of players who clearly have more to offer and are performing more consistently.

---

The McClean vs Hunt scenario is interesting, not least because Hunt's aces (workrate, aggression, harrying etc.) are matched, nay exceeded by his challenger. Factor in the quality of season they're having respectively and Stephen may ultimately be more indebted than most to Trap's loyalty/familiarity with the system.

Hunt's only 'very good' as an impact player...though like him personally, can totally see why he's not seen as a 'serious' international. System or no system.

McClean's inexperienced but that's part of his appeal. He seems fearless and full of beans. And maybe certain dissenters have added to his current desire to impress.

Pilkington & Hoolahan should also be integrated if possible. As Duffer & Hunt won't have so much to offer come the next qualifiers.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

Hunt's only 'very good' as an impact player...though like him personally, can totally see why he's not seen as a 'serious' international. System or no system.

---

I think Hunt is seen as a serious international.
In the last campaign (for WC 2010) he was the set piece taker that delivered much moreso than McGeady or Duff and played a big part in big results

No complaints generally, preferred Hunt to Duff & McGeady for years...

But some on here think they're 'irreplaceable'...

:rolleyes:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

MEP for Foyle, Colum Eastwood, has congratulated McClean on senior call-up: http://www.sdlp.ie/index.php/newsroo...o_irish_squad/

---

Colum Eastwood @columeastwood
Congratulations to James McClean. He'll be a great asset to the Ireland squad

The Mayor of Belfast also welcomed McClean's call-up

Niall Ó Donnghaile @NiallSF
@YouBoysInGreen Great news for @JMcC_23 looking forward to him running out for Éire! #coybig #ÉireAbú

As did the other SDLP MLA for Foyle

Mark H Durkan @MarkHDurkan
@JMcC_23 Well done James- Everybody in Derry is very proud of you.Do well for Ireland but take it easy v Everton in the cup!

Meanwhile another MLA questions the IFA mopery over the eligibility issue

Daithí McKay @daithimckay
Will IFA stop interfering with northerners who want to play for higher ranked Irish team now that theyre trying 2 adopt a Japanese player?

Daithí McKay @daithimckay
Pettiness is IFA undermining players who have already made their choice not to play for them

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by co. down green

Meanwhile another MLA questions the IFA mopery over the eligibility issue

---

Careful now!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

Hunt's only 'very good' as an impact player

---

thats a very important part of a tournament squad in my opinion

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by co. down green

Colum Eastwood @columeastwood
Congratulations to James McClean. He'll be a great asset to the Ireland squad

The Mayor of Belfast also welcomed McClean's call-up

Niall Ó Donnghaile @NiallSF



@YouBoysInGreen Great news for @JMcC_23 looking forward to him running out for Éire! #coybig #ÉireAbú

As did the other SDLP MLA for Foyle

Mark H Durkan @MarkHDurkan
@JMcC_23 Well done James- Everybody in Derry is very proud of you.Do well for Ireland but take it easy v Everton in the cup!

Meanwhile another MLA questions the IFA mopery over the eligibility issue

Daithí McKay @daithimckay
Will IFA stop interfering with northerners who want to play for higher ranked Irish team now that theyre trying 2 adopt a Japanese player?

Daithí McKay @daithimckay
Pettiness is IFA undermining players who have already made their choice not to play for them

---

Interesting who is happy and who's not, party wise. It certainly is along Nationalist / Unionist lines which highlights the whole essence of the debate!

'Time to come clean on why you hate James McClean' by Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh: http://ciarano.tumblr.com/post/18047...-james-mcclean

Quote:

---

The bottom line however is that there is no country, state or nation called the Republic of Ireland. Just a football team.

Ireland is the name of the nation and state McClean calls his own. It’s on the front cover of his passport.

The Republic of Ireland is merely descriptive in legal and constitutional terms, but in footballing terms it aims to separate the team that purports to represent the six counties alone from that which doesn’t.

Of course, it represents the entire 32 counties - or more specifically, everyone in those counties who want it to represent them.

This is not an antagonistic claim. This is not intended to wind up any genuine fans of Michael O’Neill’s team. It is merely a fact.

By his very birthright, McClean is as entitled to play for the Republic as Robbie Keane or Shay Given. There is no magic dust sprinkled on his passport - it’s a simple right, enshrined in law.

...

The constant streams of abuse, thankfully shrugged off with surprising maturity by the player involved, will do more long term bad than good.

That’s the only unspeakable sin taking place.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

'Time to come clean on why you hate James McClean' by Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh: http://ciarano.tumblr.com/post/18047...-james-mcclean

---

Interesting article but I think the link is down

Clearly all these commentators don't agree with certain contributors that McClean's selection is just about football...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Deckydee

Interesting article but I think the link is down

---

Should work again now.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by the bear

thats a very important part of a tournament squad in my opinion

---

I know he has a devoted fan base, but what exactly is his impact?. I can recall a few decent deliveries, but all too often he only succeeds in confounding defences by running very fast in a straight line and taking the ball out of play. This does on occasion create a surge of excitement and a mistaken anticipation that something extraordinary might happen, but alas it rarely does. He brings energy withour purpose, and momentum without direction.

Italy at home in 2009 - came on, won a couple of quick free kicks, including the one he delivered for the goal.
Both games against Bulgaria - he supplied (and won at least one of) the free kicks that led to our goals.
Wales 2007 - came on and set up Doyle immediately to put us in the lead.

That's just off the top of my head.