McClean switches allegiances to Republic

Having being called up to Nigel Worthington’s Northern Ireland squad for the European Championship qualifiers this month, Derry City winger James McClean has since switched his national allegiance, pulling out of the squad and declaring for the Republic of Ireland.

With his move to Premier League side Sunderland almost completed, McClean has chosen to declare for the Republic after discussions with Nigel Worthington.

“With my call-up, I felt that the fact teams started to take notice and make inquiries helped. It was a blow seeing Irish League players being called up before me, but having got the call I was relieved.

“After having discussions though with Nigel, I felt that my international future lay with the Republic more so, because it’s always been a dream to play them. I’m hoping now that being a player with Sunderland will enhance my chances, and hopefully earn me a call up to the senior side for the Republic.”

McClean’s move is sure to infuriate Worthington, who has seen players such as Darron Gibson, Shane Duffy, Daniel Kearns, Adam Barton and Marc Wilson choose the Republic over their nation of birth.

With his move the Sunderland due to be completed later tomorrow, McClean will travel to Wearside and undergo his medical, with the view to agreeing personal terms.

“I’m obviously delighted. On the way to the Galway United game, Stephen (Kenny) pulled me aside and told me that the fee was agreed with Sunderland, and that I’d be on the bench for the game. I’m just looking forward to getting things sorted now as quick as possible.”

McClean has been in spectacular form for the Candystripes this season, contributing seven goals and over a dozen assists, and had attracted interest from various English clubs, none more so than Peterborough who had an offer accepted for the player recently.

“After the offer from Peterborough, they brought me over and we discussed personal terms. I was very impressed with the club and the players, but for one reason or another, I couldn’t agree personal terms. With four or five weeks left of the transfer window, I was confident another offer would come in from somewhere, and I’m delighted that Sunderland made a bid.

“I was flattered with the interest that was being showed in me, and at one stage I was even linked with going to Liverpool on trial for a few days! Now I’m just looking forward to this opportunity and hopefully getting a chance to play as soon as possible.”

Having been an important member of Stephen Kenny’s side for the last two seasons, McClean admitted to finding it difficult leaving the club where he began his professional career, and has since gone on to make over 80 appearances. He was also a key member in this year’s Airtricty League team that played in the Dublin Super Cup, and believes that this experience will be crucial for him.

“It’s going to be hard leaving Derry, because everybody’s been brilliant to me since I came in, but I feel it’s an opportunity I have to take and it has come at a time when I want to be proving myself against high quality teams and players.

“Obviously I want to improve as a player, and I think that with the right coaching and strength and conditioning work that I’ll be able to step up.”

McClean is due to undertake his medical at the Wearside club tomorrow, with hopes to becoming part of Steve Bruce’s starting eleven for the forthcoming season. Sunderland open their campaign against Liverpool on 13 August.