James McClean M Wrexham b.1989

**Charlie Darwin** · 29/01/2012, 6:57 PM

Originally Posted by BonnieShels

How many more dimensions does a harrying winger that likes to put himself about need?
His subtlety will come, he's only 22, he's only played 9 games or something for Sunderland. He's taken like a duck to water and long may it continue.

Do love that the start of the begrudgery is raising it's head above the parapet.

I hope Trap is reading this - that's an automatic call-up. Interestingly, Paul Green had a decent game on the right for Derby against Stoke yesterday. Bit unlucky to be on the losing side.

Saying McClean is one-dimensional is very unfair. He doesn't have the technical skill of Duff or McGeady but very few wingers do, in any country. In Spain, McGeady would probably be a striker. McClean is a bit like a less refined Gareth Bale or a quicker Milner and, from what I've seen, he's become a more intelligent footballer since moving to England. I think he might be able to add a bit of pace too and his technique should improve as well.

**amaccann** · 29/01/2012, 7:08 PM

Originally Posted by BonnieShels

How many more dimensions does a harrying winger that likes to put himself about need?
His subtlety will come, he's only 22, he's only played 9 games or something for Sunderland. He's taken like a duck to water and long may it continue.

Do love that the start of the begrudgery is raising it's head above the parapet.

Begrudgery? Uhhh, no begrudgery here mate; to me Kevin Kilbane is a minor legend & would take 11 of him in a shot. I only use the term '1 dimensional' in the sense that he doesn't seem to be as unpredictable a wide player as some of his other compatriots - a bit like Mr. Kilbane. That's all.

**BonnieShels** · 29/01/2012, 7:18 PM

Originally Posted by amaccann

Begrudgery? Uhhh, no begrudgery here mate; to me Kevin Kilbane is a minor legend & would take 11 of him in a shot. I only use the term '1 dimensional' in the sense that he doesn't seem to be as unpredictable a wide player as some of his other compatriots - a bit like Mr. Kilbane. That's all.

I didn't take you up as a begrudger. I mean in general you can read elsewhere there's more critical comment cheading for James now.
Kilbane is a major legend. I would never feel a comparison to him is of a critical nature.

**SwanVsDalton** · 29/01/2012, 7:34 PM

He's so one-dimensional - he can cross, shoot, pass, head, score goals, create, beat a defender inside and out, tackle like a centre back and has the engine of a middle distance runner. Too predictable by half.

**BonnieShels** · 29/01/2012, 7:40 PM

You're right. McClean out!

**amaccann** · 29/01/2012, 7:43 PM

Originally Posted by SwanVsDalton

He's so one-dimensional - he can cross, shoot, pass, head, score goals, create, beat a defender inside and out, tackle like a centre back and has the engine of a middle distance runner. Too predictable by half.

Bloody nora - next time I post, I'm using a Thesaurus.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 29/01/2012, 9:34 PM

McClean is Ireland's best player on current form...

It would be madness not to take him. So he probably won't go.

**tricky_colour** · 29/01/2012, 9:44 PM

Just going back to all the dental jokes, in a collision with William in which McClean head butted him Williams lot a tooth!!
So McCleans is not so good for your teeth afterall, intact he is a health hazard.

**tricky_colour** · 29/01/2012, 9:46 PM

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

McClean is Ireland's best player on current form...

It would be madness not to take him. So he probably won't go.

It would be a bit like going on holiday without your sunglasses
(although obviously you could buy a pair whilst you were over there).

**elroy** · 29/01/2012, 9:48 PM

In the Times today that Martin O'N was onto to James again recently about declaring for NI (following another request from Michael O'Neill). Glad to say the lad once again reiterated his decision to them. Hope they leave him alone now and we dont have another Martinez/McCarthy episode all over again.

Also mentioned that McCleans paperwork unlikely to be through with UEFA to make him eligible for the Euros squad - seems a long time to get it sorted.

**BonnieShels** · 29/01/2012, 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by elroy

In the Times today that Martin O'N was onto to James again recently about declaring for NI (following another request from Michael O'Neill). Glad to say the lad once again reiterated his decision to them. Hope they leave him alone now and we dont have another Martinez/McCarthy episode all over again.

Also mentioned that McCleans paperwork unlikely to be through with UEFA to make him eligible for the Euros squad - seems a long time to get it sorted.

That's all over in the eligibility thread. Good to see even the Sunday times is using this site as source!

**Sullivinho** · 29/01/2012, 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by elroy

In the Times today that Martin O'N was onto to James again recently about declaring for NI (following another request from Michael O'Neill). Glad to say the lad once again reiterated his decision to them. Hope they leave him alone now and we dont have another Martinez/McCarthy episode all over again.

That'l be only twice this month McClean has politely declined them so. Has Gerry had his turn yet? There's the makings of a romantic comedy there, something along the lines of 'He's just not that into you'.

**Predator** · 29/01/2012, 10:57 PM

Martin O'Neill wasn't putting pressure on McClean either way, I'd wager. He openly states that it is not his place to persuade one way or the other. Martin O'Neill understands and respects the principle of choice. He does not buy scaremongering and spin. He is, after all, a Kilrea man.

**TrapAPony** · 30/01/2012, 12:17 AM

Originally Posted by elroy

In the Times today that Martin O'N was onto to James again recently about declaring for NI (following another request from Michael O'Neill).

Was there realistically ever any chance that he was going to put pressure on James to play for the north?...Doubt it very much

**ArdeeBhoy** · 30/01/2012, 12:36 AM

And why his clearance taking so long, as The ST claims...

Though it is a Murdoch rag.

**dantheman** · 30/01/2012, 9:42 AM

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

And why his clearance taking so long, as The ST claims...

Though it is a Murdoch rag.

Indeed. They must be hacking into his voicemail!

**dantheman** · 30/01/2012, 9:43 AM

Originally Posted by TrapAPony

Was there realistically ever any chance that he was going to put pressure on James to play for the north?...Doubt it very much

So do I, but Marty handled it well. He's a smart lad

**DannyInvincible** · 31/01/2012, 6:45 PM

According to a poster on OWC, today's Sun was reporting that McClean's relevant paperwork has been received by FIFA and he should indeed be eligible for the game against the Czech Republic.