McClean on new Black Cats contract

Having taken the Premier League by storm since his debut in December, Sunderland winger James McClean was rewarded for his fine form with a new three year contract with the Black Cats.

The Ireland International put pen to paper on the deal, believed to be worth an estimated £25,000 per week. Speaking after signing the contract, which will keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2015, the Derry native expressed his delight at committing his future to the club.

“I’m over the moon. I’m absolutely delighted to be able to sign and keep me here for the next few years. It’s nice to be offered a new contract, as it shows I’m doing pretty well. However, I’m not going to rest on my laurels because I want this to be the first of many” he said.

For the 22 year old, the new deal comes at a time when he is preparing for his first season run-in, one in which Sunderland are still in the FA Cup with a quarter-final replay against Everton to look forward to.

“I’ve been quite pleased with how I’ve played so far, but at the same time, I want to improve on each game. I always try to give my all, and strive to do better than the previous game.

“We have had a lot of difficult games recently, and it takes a lot out of the players. We’re still confident though that we can finish the season well, and maybe even make a cup final appearance, and I’m looking to forward to helping the team in any way that I can, be that scoring or providing” he said.

McClean’s transition from Irish football to the English Premier League is one that he has taken with ease, and it is evident that he is a player brimming with confidence.

“I haven’t really been fazed with anything so far, which I suppose is a good thing. I don’t think about the pressure;  I just go out and play my own game and continue to do so, because that’s what has got me to where I am in the first place” he said.

Having made his international bow against the Czech Republic last month, his new contract is one of many highlights that the former Derry City man has experienced this season.

“Obviously making my debut for Sunderland and Ireland were special moments for me, as well as scoring my first goal for the club (against Wigan). Scoring the winner at Stoke in the snow will stand out though, probably because the pitch was white the weather was that bad!” he joked.

His meteoric rise would continue should Giovanni Trapattoni select him for his squad to travel to the European Championships. However, McClean says modestly that ’performing well for Sunderland is the top of his priorities for now.’

“Obviously it would be a dream-come-true to represent your country at a major tournament, and come the summer, hopefully I’ll be in a position to do that. But my main focus for now is Sunderland, and helping us finish the season as strongly as possible. Hopefully, that will be enough to help me make the squad for the Euros” said McClean.