James McClean M Wrexham b.1989

**ArdeeBhoy** · 18/05/2012, 1:17 AM

In that position, yes.

What's yer point, if any?

**Charlie Darwin** · 18/05/2012, 1:20 AM

I think the system is predictable and makes everybody who plays in it look predictable, but the only area of the pitch where we can actually conjure a bit of magic is on the wings and Robbie around the box.

We only have three properly technical wide players who can hold up the ball and bring others into play: Duff, McGeady and Lawrence. So I think Trap is taking a big risk leaving Lawrence at home. If we lost Duff and, god forbid, McGeady, I think we would have to radically alter the game plan. Fahey can play there at a pinch but his fitness is in doubt too.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 18/05/2012, 1:24 AM

Hmm, would disagree almost completely. Looks like we'll have to beg to differ on this one.

**Charlie Darwin** · 18/05/2012, 1:27 AM

Don't get me wrong, I think McClean has a very important role. We seem to create about 2-3 solid chances per game and usually wind up scoring at least one of them, so we are one of the most efficient teams in world football, but I think McClean is far more valuable in the last 30 minutes than the first 60.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 18/05/2012, 1:29 AM

Maybe, but just let's say one of his rivals hasn't really impressed me in about 5 years now...

And I've given up on them ever doing anything.

**Charlie Darwin** · 18/05/2012, 1:31 AM

I haven't been impressed by Alan O'Brien in a long time either.

**tricky_colour** · 18/05/2012, 1:50 AM

One plus for McClean is that most of the opposition would be rather unfamiliar with him, but I expect they will do their homework.
However as he is still developing, he is more likely to produce I surprise then say Duff or McGeady who are pretty much 'set in their ways'.
But then the downside would be his lack of experience, but the unknown always has an allure.

**SkStu** · 18/05/2012, 5:08 AM

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

Just looked tired and predictable when he plays for Ireland.

Like I say, I just prefer McClean's style.

He always looks tired. Always. That's his thing...

**DeLorean** · 18/05/2012, 8:58 AM

If any of the wingers were to be dropped it would have to be McGeady. I'm a big McGeady fan but he definitely does his best work on the left. Duff is better on the left also but adapts better to life on the right than McGeady. I am more than happy for McClean to play the impact sub role for this tournament anyway.

**DannyInvincible** · 18/05/2012, 9:09 AM

Originally Posted by DeLorean

If any of the wingers were to be dropped it would have to be McGeady. I'm a big McGeady fan but he definitely does his best work on the left. Duff is better on the left also but adapts better to life on the right than McGeady. I am more than happy for McClean to play the impact sub role for this tournament anyway.

I understand that one of the reasons Trap called McClean into the squad early is to try him out on the right and see how he can cut inside onto his left and cut up play. Trap envisages McClean as someone who can play on either side; not just the left.

**DeLorean** · 18/05/2012, 9:14 AM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

I understand that one of the reasons Trap called McClean into the squad early is to try him out on the right and see how he can cut inside onto his left and cut up play. Trap envisages McClean as someone who can play on either side; not just the left.

Yeah I think Trap definitely recognises that McGeady is much better on the left too. Duff won't be around for too much longer in any case, certainly the most likely retirement after the Euros I feel, so it will be important that McClean can do well on the right as I don't feel that McGeady will ever be as effective on that side.

**Stuttgart88** · 18/05/2012, 10:21 AM

I think McClean will be capable of drawing his fair share of free kicks, which will be important for us. I don't know about his touch, but if it's decent he'll be a great out ball because, let's face it, we're going to be under pressure in possession. Duff is great at buying time and giving others a chance to get back into shape.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 18/05/2012, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

I haven't been impressed by Alan O'Brien in a long time either.

And yer point is, still?

**Predator** · 18/05/2012, 12:29 PM

James would be brilliant on the counter. Kind of like McGeady but with a bit more end-product (less running into trouble).

**DannyInvincible** · 18/05/2012, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by Predator

James would be brilliant on the counter. Kind of like McGeady but with a bit more end-product (less running into trouble).

Lucky you added that clarifying clause. I thought you were going to slag off his crossing abilities!

**DeLorean** · 18/05/2012, 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by Predator

James would be brilliant on the counter. Kind of like McGeady but with a bit more end-product (less running into trouble).

I think McClean loses the ball nearly as much as McGeady. His direct style guarantees this. McGeady probably loses possession in a more frustrating way as you can clearly see he is taking on that one man too much. I think the way McClean loses the ball leaves you more vulnerable to the counter attack though, but we don't have to worry about that as we'll have a minimum of nine players 30-40 yards deeper than him anticipating that he will lose it!

**DannyInvincible** · 18/05/2012, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by DeLorean

but we don't have to worry about that as we'll have a minimum of nine players 30-40 yards deeper than him

It might have worked in the qualifiers, but this is the finals now. I really can't envisage us being so gung-ho.

**DeLorean** · 18/05/2012, 1:34 PM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

It might have worked in the qualifiers, but this is the finals now. I really can't envisage us being so gung-ho.

Haha I know, I only said 30-40 yards because that's where I pictured Kevin Doyle being positioned

**Predator** · 18/05/2012, 2:45 PM

Originally Posted by DeLorean

I think McClean loses the ball nearly as much as McGeady. His direct style guarantees this. McGeady probably loses possession in a more frustrating way as you can clearly see he is taking on that one man too much. I think the way McClean loses the ball leaves you more vulnerable to the counter attack though, but we don't have to worry about that as we'll have a minimum of nine players 30-40 yards deeper than him anticipating that he will lose it!

Interesting point about the manner in which McGeady wastes possession. I think that his tendency to dally is the only complaint I have about him. I absolutely hate that in football. Can't wait for him to score a Maradona now.

**jbyrne** · 18/05/2012, 3:40 PM

Originally Posted by DeLorean

McGeady probably loses possession in a more frustrating way as you can clearly see he is taking on that one man too much.

i know people claim mcgeady is two footed but to me he seems more comfortable on the right. Trap usually plays him on the left and that inevitably leads to him being less inclined to whip the ball accross and instead take on that extra player to try and gain better position