Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni appears unlikely to use James McClean in Thursday's vital Euro 2012 match against Spain despite Sunday's opening defeat by Croatia. Calls for McClean's talents to be used have intensified since Sunday's defeat but Trapattoni appears to have ruled out including the Sunderland winger. "His time will come in the future," said the Republic boss. Trapattoni has hinted that striker Jonathan Walters may start on Thursday. Centre-back Richard Dunne trained on Tuesday morning after missing Monday's session because of blistered feet while midfielder Darron Gibson also took part after shaking off a thigh strain. Walters replaced Kevin Doyle in the second half of Sunday's match in Poznan and the Republic boss praised the Stoke striker's ability at his press briefing on Monday evening. "Jonathan has shown us with his physical strength the way he can help both the strikers and the midfield," added Trapattoni. The Republic boss defended his decision to bring on West Brom striker Simon Cox and not McClean in place of winger Aiden McGeady in the early stages of the second half against Croatia. "I was waiting for this question," he said. "Remember when you asked me 'why five strikers?' "I said Cox is also a winger and he can also play in a three as an attacking striker. "Cox is one of the strikers but also at his club, can play right or left. He is also a striker in fact and in the past, has scored goals." When further questioned about McClean remaining on the bench on Sunday, Trapattoni responded: "You are friends with James, no? "I have a duty. It would have been his first [competitive] game. Use accessible player and disable flyout menus "When there are senior, experienced players in this situation, maybe there is tension. "You can understand how much more tense a young player can be. It's important we give them a quiet opportunity, not when we need their performance under pressure."
What the **** was the point taking him and having him on the bench! Could have given the lad time off.
The Irish are coming home next week. Maybe its better McClean isn't played now as its just our luck he'd get injured for nowt.
I see that but he's earned his chance, no one in that squad has played as well or as consistently in that squad than him. They might not qualify again in his career I hope he gets a run.
He can't really now as if JM is on fire he will look like a fool for not playing him in the first game. please log in to view this image
That's what I was thinking just couldn't remember who the manager was, if wasn't going to play him he shouldn't have taken him after the season he's put in the Lad could have done with those few extra weeks break.
'under pressure' like making your debut on the big stage at 0-1 at home to the leagues worst side with the crowd getting tetchy, and changing a game?? **** of Trappatoni, you pick the players most likely to cause problems and get you a result, end of.
He'd have flipped that game on its head. When they lose the next game they'll be out so no pressure for the last game. no excuse to not play him. Ireland fans are crying out for Keane to be dropped. He should go Walters and Long up top with McClean left and Mcgeady or duff right
I was watching in the Student's Union in Belfast, newly purchased Ireland top on, carefully disguised N/E accent...Was great craic, was up on the chairs singing Fields of Athenry by the end! Anyway, I said from the first minute Ireland needed McCLean...He's fearless in his running and will take on anyone, but he also has the ability to do it successfully...Ireland were launching balls forwards, then watching on as nobody took responsibility and kept passing it around looking clueless. If McClean doesn't get a run out next game then Trapatoni has no-one to blame but himself!
