Well he's also stated: “However, it’s always been my dream to play for the Republic and hopefully that will become a reality now that I’m going to be a Sunderland player.”
Besides regardless of what he said - this move won't be more beneficial. Realistically he won't be breaking into the international squad for the foreseeable future and it's uncertain he ever will. He almost certainly would've got an NI cap or two at some point or other.
If you're saying McClean is being in some way a mercenary and has no affinity to the ROI, you are way off. Surely it's simpler - and more evident - to suggest McClean is taking a tougher route to international football but one he sees as more worthwhile because it's for HIS country.
This suggestion is downright weird, since it didn't up his profile in any meaningful way but did give the NI media and their fans a chance to collectively have a go. The only real reason to make that decision is because he wanted to play for HIS country.
It's impossible to say. But what's the point of the question? You seem to be suggesting McClean is putting his own personal profile over the honour of representing his country (or any country). But that's another weird suggestion. Because, if anything his decision is the bravest and most honest one he could've made.
If he actually wanted the profile boost and didn't care for the ROI, he could play internationals in the near future. But he's eschewed that in favour of declaring for a tougher side to break into but the one he actually wants to play for. Just because the guy's at Sunderland doesn't mean he'll make it as an international. McClean could've chosen the easy option, but he didn't. There is nothing to be gained from his decision except the possible honour of playing for HIS country.
Why? Again I still don't know what you're trying to suggest to McClean but I think you're barking up some kind of mercenary tree for some really odd reasons....
I didn't say it to be political, but only as a warning shot to anyone who thinks these issues over nationalities are in anyway easy. In footballing terms, the NI/ROI situation may seem very cosy. But, realistically, it's not some situation that simply dropped out of the sky. The circumstances through which they've come about should not be taken for granted.
Again I'm not sure what point.
All I'm saying is this - for the likes of O'Kane, McClean etc they could've gotten an easier possibility of international caps playing for NI. They've thrown they're hat in with us and the only real reason they would do that is because they genuinely want to play for us. McClean may never make it and I'm fairly certain O'Kane won't but I think they should be credited for being definitive (albeit late) on their futures. And I think it's great to see NI born players exerting their rights to declare for their country.
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