Settling in at Sunderland

After effortlessly switching base from the Creggan in Derry, to the city of Newcastle, James McClean has now become one of the few ex-League of Ireland players now employed with Premier League clubs.

The Sunderland winger claims that everyone at the Wearside club has made him feel welcomed since the first day he arrived.

“I’ve found settling in easier than I thought it would be. With having to move home so quickly from Derry to here, I thought it would be a bit harder than this. Fortunately, everyone at the club, from the manager Steve Bruce to even the cleaners at the ground, has made me feel welcome which has helped a lot.

Having signed a three year deal, he was introduced to first team training the day after and admits at being very surprised at this.

“If I’m being totally honest, I didn’t expect to be in training with the first team squad straight away – although I didn’t complain when I found I was. My first session went well and I was happy enough with how I got on.

“The tempo was very different compared to Derry, but I think that I adjusted to it well. Getting to train with players like Asamoah Gyan, Craig Gardner and Lee Cattermole really helped and it was great to test myself against quality players on my first day.

With there being such a strong Irish contingent at Sunderland, James has found it relatively easy adjusting to life at the club, and has special mention for former Cork City player David Meyler, and Ireland centre-half John O’Shea. “The Irish lads have really helped me so far - mainly David and John. But as I said, everyone’s been brilliant, so I’m really settling in well now.”

Having been thrown in at the deep end on his first day, James then played his first game for the club, in the Reserves opening day defeat against Chelsea. He played an hour against a Blues side that was captained by first-team player Patrick Van Aanholt, and impressed despite a 3-2 scoreline.

“My first match went reasonably well. I played an hour and put in a good shift, considering it was my first game since the Dublin Super Cup. The game-time helped me, and with the quality of players on show, as Chelsea is a top side even at reserve level, you can’t afford to give anything less than 100 per cent effort, regardless how long you play.”

When speaking to James about changing his allegiance from North to South, and the attention from the media that surrounded it, he admitted to it aggravating him a bit.

“There was a lot of media attention and at times it was getting a little annoying. It comes with the job though, and luckily the club here have great press officers which has helped me deal with this.”

Having left Derry City at such a crucial stage of their season, James still keeps in regular contact with his former teammates, and even follows their matches via online radio.

“I have been listening to the games online and have been keeping in regular touch with the players and staff. Derry means a lot to me, and I loved my time there. Hopefully the boys can kick on now, and keep notching up wins, because they deserve all the success the future holds!”