James McClean M Wrexham b.1989

**Charlie Darwin** · 09/03/2012, 2:12 PM

Mentalitee is very strong. He's the anti-McCarthy then.

**Murfinator** · 09/03/2012, 8:42 PM

Wouldn't surprise me if Trap took McClean on direction from the FAI as a token 23rd member to appease the fans and media, it would be bad for the squad if there was negative selection whisperings going around before the tournament, the team needs positivity and full support. If trap leaves out all of McClean, McCarthy, Coleman and Duffy it'd be seen as conservative and a distraction.

FAI got involved with something similiar involving McCarthy getting capped at the end of a competitive game to hush the media on his eligibility and commitment to us. It was blatantly obvious it wasn't a selection decision Trap wanted to make.

**geysir** · 10/03/2012, 6:47 AM

It was obvious that McCarthy's competitive cap was premature. Trap could well have considered the merits of giving a competitive cap that would end the intense pressure on the youngster McCarthy. Trap has for most part of his coaching life, managed to make up his own mind on matters and stick to the plan, despite media pressure.
If Trap selects McClean, it will be to McClean's credit, not the FAI.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 10/03/2012, 7:32 PM

Not if you believe the McCarthy-ites on here. They think he's the best thing. I like him, but can see McClean actually making an impact in international football unlike his namesake.

Who won't really get much chance till Trap leaves.

**geysir** · 10/03/2012, 10:47 PM

According to Trap, he keeps McCarthy close enough within earshot on the sidelines to receive some jewels of his tactical instructions. I doubt if Trap would be wasting his wisdom on a player he doesn't have faith in. He is in at the tail end of the squad.

**Stuttgart88** · 11/03/2012, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

McClean....won't really get much chance till Trap leaves.

Don't agree. He may or may not figure in the Euros, but Trap - contrary to myth - does actually take some chances with players and promotes players he's impressed with. With Duff ageing and Hunt struggling for form McClean is very likely to be in Trap's squads for the WC qualifying campaign.

Just as an aside, McClean's lunge on the derby match last weekend could have earned a straight red at a Euro finals. Playing any of our 3 Euro oponents at a neutral venue with a continental ref is a very different context to a wet day on Tyneside in a frenetic north east derby match. Sure, we love to see youthful enthusiasm, but it just highlights the risk in picking players with little experience of playing in international competitions, club or country. Just saying...

**geysir** · 11/03/2012, 11:36 AM

I understood AB was referring to McCarthy as the player who "won't really get much chance till Trap leaves".

**Stuttgart88** · 11/03/2012, 11:41 AM

ah ok.

Point still stands about McClean's experience btw. I'd pick McClean for the Euros, but I'd also make sure he understands he's got to stay on his feet.

**geysir** · 11/03/2012, 11:54 AM

One thing i've noticed about him in the last few weeks, is that he doesn't fade out of a game, even if he hasn't got the quality on the wing or the experience, nevertheless he effectively keeps plugging away right to the end.

**tetsujin1979** · 23/03/2012, 9:26 AM

McClean signs new deal at Sunderland: http://www.safc.com/news/20120323/wi...256213_2689605

**dantheman** · 24/03/2012, 3:09 PM

Set up the first goal today

**tetsujin1979** · 24/03/2012, 3:29 PM

scored the second, massive deflection according to Paul Merson on Sky Sports though

**dantheman** · 24/03/2012, 3:46 PM

Having a stormer according to the Sunderland fans forum. He had a few average displays, good to see him back to form

**Ol� Ol�** · 24/03/2012, 4:30 PM

Originally Posted by dantheman

Having a stormer according to the Sunderland fans forum. He had a few average displays, good to see him back to form

Great reaction to being rewarded with an extended and more expensive contract too.

**sadloserkid** · 24/03/2012, 10:22 PM

Shearer raving about him on MOTD as I type, they're presuming he'll be at the Euros.

A goal and two assists today. Was terrific.

**tricky_colour** · 25/03/2012, 12:40 AM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

scored the second, massive deflection according to Paul Merson on Sky Sports though

I would not say it was a massive deflection, seemed his shot was on target and it went of a player trying to block it IIRC.
Was gonna look at it again as I had recorded it, or at least I thought I had, the recorder had other ideas!!!
It's here in poor quality
http://watchhighlightsonline.blogspo...ights-and.html
'massive deflection' makes it sound like he got lucky, that's unfair, it was more of a desperate lunge to stop him scoring which failed.

better quality
http://www.footygoalsoccer.com/epl-s...024-03-12.html

Was a goal and 1 assist but he played a crucial part in the last goal.

**Carrigaline** · 26/03/2012, 10:36 AM

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...inclusion.html

MON in the Daily Wail calling for McClean to be included. Trap will probably take 4 wingers, McGeady and Duff are certainties, even though Hunt has been injured, I can't see Trap not taking him. That means there is potentially a spot up for grabs. Given that Coleman has struggled this season with injuries and form, you would think that McClean has a chance of ousting him, especially given he's only a year younger.

**nigel-harps1954** · 27/03/2012, 8:59 PM

Didn't have the most fantastic of games tonight against Everton from what I saw, granted I only saw the last half an hour. A lot of scrappy passes and poor crosses in that time anyway.

**tricky_colour** · 27/03/2012, 9:10 PM

Sunderland were poor overall struggled to get anywhere, Everton didn't give them any space to play in.
I'd say he was one of the better Sunderland players, but that is not saying much, he won some free kicks and corners.
The own goal blunder sums up Sunderland.