http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17982691 Euro 2012: James McClean named in Republic of Ireland squad Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has included James McClean in his 23-man squad for Euro 2012. The 23-year-old winger has made a massive impression in his first season at Sunderland and made his senior debut for the Republic in February. The former Derry City player received a huge ovation when he came on as a substitute against the Czech Republic. Wigan's James McCarthy withdrew himself from consideration after his father was diagnosed with cancer. In a statement issued by the Football Association of Ireland, McCarthy said: "I have made the very difficult decision to withdraw my name from selection from the Euro 2012 squad following the diagnosis of my father with cancer and an ongoing requirement for treatment. "I have discussed this with the manager. He was very understanding and I thank him sincerely for that. "I take this opportunity to re-affirm my complete commitment to playing for the Republic of Ireland. "It is a huge honour and source of great pride for me and my family. "Despite not being present, I would like to wish the manager and my team-mates every success at the tournament and hope that Irish fans can understand the reason for my decision at this difficult time." The remainder of the squad is along the expected lines, with Richard Dunne and Stephen Hunt both fit after recent injury concerns. Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2012: Shay Given (Aston Villa), Keiren Westwood (Sunderland), David Forde (Millwall); John O'Shea (Sunderland), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Stephen Ward (Wolves), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Sean St Ledger (Leicester), Darren O'Dea (Leeds), Kevin Foley (Wolves); Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Keith Andrews (West Brom), Keith Fahey (Birmingham), Darron Gibson (Everton), Damien Duff (Fulham), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Stephen Hunt (Wolves), James McClean (Sunderland); Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Shane Long, Simon Cox (both West Brom), Jon Walters (Stoke). Stand-by: Darren Randolph (Motherwell), Paul McShane (Crystal Palace), Paul Green (Unattached), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Andy Keogh (Millwall).
It's not the way he would have wanted it probably and our thoughts go out to McCarthy and his father but well done Jimmy. You've earned your chance and good luck lad.
How's the Derry left back doing marra?? Impossible to keep an eye on from Spain, sadly! Still think there'd be logic in us rekindling that partnership!
Don't watch them enough to make a fair call on him lad. The only one who I've heard good things about was a lad (McEleney) who I believe we had over for a trial and were interested in but he was apparantly a home bird and didn't want to come?
Trap is a different kettle of fish and has a stubborn approach and imo doesn’t go for the big time Charlie (although we don't have any) preferring for the hard working battlers. His style can often frustrate the life out of the commentators who unlike their BBC counterparts say it as it is.
I enjoy reading some of the RTE (is that right??) lads comments, no arse-kissing and bullshitting, and the impression of genuine passion for the country. I think Ireland will have a decent tournament, McLean's directness may well catch put a few (assuming he gets games..)
It's when they fall out with each other that makes it, a couple often say what is on every fans lips so it is refreshing. The one thing that would worry me about McClean is that Trap dosn't play him but the fans are behind the lad so it could prove to be interesting viewing!
Yeah, I heard about the fans when he made his debut, chanting his name before he came on, encouraging him when he did. Could bring the lad on even further, great for us, great for Ireland.
Exactly mate, I just hope and pray we hold on to him as the rumours are there are a few sniffing around. I would also love to see us get him a striker (Fletcher) who would thrive off his deliveries.....
I think we'll have him at least another year, seems a good lad, level headed, and genuinely looks delighted to be here. Them pics with him with the young 'un on here the other day summed it up!
