Sunderland winger James McClean has been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for the friendly clash with the Czech Republic later this month. The 22-year-old former Derry City player, who has been in fine form for the Black Cats since being given his chance by manager Martin O'Neill, has been drafted in along with Derby midfielder Paul Green. McClean had been expected to be included in Giovanni Trapattoni's initial squad when it was announced earlier this month, but will now take his place along with Green in a 26-man party for the friendly at the Aviva Stadium on February 29. The Londonderry-born midfielder was signed from his hometown club for £350,000 last summer by O'Neill's predecessor Steve Bruce, but it was not until his compatriot's arrival at the Stadium of Light that he was given the opportunity to make an impact on the senior stage. McClean made an eye-catching first-team debut as a substitute in the new manager's opening game, a 2-1 Barclays Premier League victory over Blackburn, and after a further two appearances from the bench, was handed a start against Manchester City on New Year's Day. He has remained in the team ever since and has contributed four goals as well as some fine wing play to Sunderland's impressive run of form, which saw them beat Arsenal 2-0 on Saturday to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals and extend their record under O'Neill to 10 victories in 15 games. Asked recently about McClean's international potential ahead of this summer's Euro 2012 finals, O'Neill said: "He is more than worth having a look at. I think he can force his way into the squad. "Of course, the players who have got the Republic of Ireland there would deserve great credit for that, but there is always room for an emerging talent." Trapattoni indicated in the wake of qualification for Poland and Ukraine that he would be keeping faith with the men who had taken Ireland to the finals. In announcing his squad on February 10 after weeks of speculation that McClean would be included, he stuck to his guns. However, he later revealed he had spoke to the Sunderland 22-year-old, who had earlier been granted clearance to represent the Republic rather than his native Northern Ireland by FIFA after exercising his right to do so, and told him his time would come. Trapattoni said: "I think all the squad deserve to come with us. They believe us and they know us. "We have four or five other names because we have no time to change. One is McClean. "I spoke with him and I said, 'Congratulations, James, I wish you to come with us.' We now have insurance that he can play with us, and this is important. "He said, 'When you decide, call me up'. I told him 100 per cent he will be with us for the future. Now, I'm looking to consolidate." However, McClean's chance may now come earlier than he initially thought having been presented with the opportunity to impress the Italian in training at the Republic's Malahide base ahead of the clash with the Czechs. McClean expressed his delight via Twitter. He tweeted: "Absolutely buzzin [sic] and honoured to be called up to represent my country... best feeling there is."
I haven't been following this at all really but why is he getting abuse? p.s. Jacky - why did you go off 'the Hatem bomb' and back to Jacky? I'm full of questions tonight.
Hes been getting abuse from some from the unionist side of the fence up in N Ireland. 1 - for the fact he chose the RoI over Northern Ireland and, 2 - because the fact he calls his hometown Derry is offensive to them. The following is a tweet from a poor aggreived fellow "@JMcC_23 Your from Londonderry you dirty wee twat NI is your country and your a dirty rebel **** go **** yourself break a leg" Poor fella sounds like hes been losing sleep over it. Changed my name back due to popular demand, actually it was during a conversation with a GC poster when I asked him when we were gona get a pint in a certain bar and for a while because he didnt recognise my new name he thought I was some weirdo stalking him
The only reason he is getting abuse is because there are some sick sectarian no marks over here who are jealous of his success. It is nothing to do with his choice of Country (which is his legal right - and a life long dream) but more to do with his religion. Sectarianism like racism is a sickness over here which we are trying to erradicate but unfortunately it will take many years.
Does anyone else find it ironic that religion is supposed ito represent love and peace, but in reality it is behind all that is evil in this world.
In fairness I find the religious reasoning rather simplistic. While there is a strong correlation between political orientation and religion, I cringe at the catholic v protestant explainations given. I know there are Catholics of unionist orientation and vice versa with Protestants, in fact i know personally a protestant who gleefully has immersed himself in the Irish music scene and speaks Gaelige. Im sure there were catholics serving over here in the British army. The reasoning that the divisions of the conflict were purely along religious lines is an inaccurate one. Theres my tuppence, not sure how relevant it is but its a weight off my chest anyhow
Religion is useful from the perspective of governance but its not so good for community spirit, as people from differing views struggle to reconcile their divergent beliefs. If only people could learn to control their emotions and think for themselves as opposed to allowing their choice of words and self regulation to be modulated by emotional and reactionary outbursts which are often founded upon religious beliefs, then the many bridges that extend accross the vast and assorted divisions of manifestation could be navigated with consumate ease! Religion? Personal philosophy wins every time! Oh and well done James McClean!
I've no problem with the idea of there being some kind of God, and being of an open mind I would never right the possibility off, but for people to follow the teachings of books that have been written and adapted by man, and are then open to the interpretations of preachers, priests etc, is something which I find very strange, and in my opinion is the root cause of all that is wrong in our society.
In my opinion power or greed for power is the root of evil. Money and religion have been used as tools by those holding or seeking power over the ages in order to enslave, divide and conquer.
Agree with most of that lad, and of course the conflict over here was not purely down to to religious differences although there has been many sectarian murders. I once walked through a loyalist band parade (dodgey move) and seen a child wearing a T shirt with the slogan "Any Taig will do" with a gun below it. This really brought it home how deep the hatred can go, the unfortunate thing is I can take you to many places where the local knuckle draggers simply hate the other kind and would be found wanting to explain why! The conflict was mainly over political differences and IMHO religious schools and segregated estates only increased the mistrust of the other side so to speak as they felt safer with their own. We are making big steps with the first minister going to watch a GAA match and the deputy promising to go to a Northern Ireland match in windsor (once a cold house to catholics) but to be fair the IFA have made steps to over come this. To be honest who would of thought all those years ago that Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley would become friends so we are moving in the right direction.
