Late call up for Sunderland sensation James McClean into Trapatonni’s Irish squad
James McClean. Picture: PA
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.
Derby County’s Paul Green has also been added to his squad for the friendly.
Green makes a return to the squad following a knee injury that threatened his career at one stage. He has been lining out at right back and the right wing for Derby County since his return to the side.
The squad:
GOALKEEPERS: Shay Given (Aston Villa), Keiren Westwood (Sunderland), David Forde (Millwall).
DEFENDERS: John O’Shea (Sunderland), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Stephen Ward (Wolves), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Seán St Ledger (Leicester), Darren O’Dea (Leeds), Kevin Foley (Wolves).
MIDFIELDERS: Glenn Whelan (Stoke), James McCarthy (Wigan), Séamus Coleman (Everton), Keith Andrews (West Brom), Keith Fahey (Birmingham), Darron Gibson (Everton), Damien Duff (Fulham), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Stephen Hunt (Wolves), James McClean (Sunderland), Paul Green (Derby County).
STRIKERS: Robbie Keane (Aston Villa), Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Shane Long, Simon Cox (both West Brom), Jon Walters (Stoke).
