JAMES MCCLEAN IS not first choice for Ireland’s qualifier with Germany next month, according to manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
With Damien Duff recently retiring from international football, it was expected that the talented Sunderland winger would push for a place on the flanks during the current World Cup campaign.
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The 23-year-old started in the friendly against Serbia last month but did not make an appearance in the 2-1 win away to Kazakhstan, which prompted him to tweet his frustration.
McClean later apologised for his actions and Trapattoni insisted that the matter was forgotten about.
He was left on the bench for last night’s 4-1 win over Oman at Craven Cottage and, after seeing Andy Keogh and debutant Robbie Brady begin ahead of him, the former Derry City player was given a huge cheer when he entered the fray on 60 minutes.
Clearly eager to impress, he looked lively during the cameo and was yards away from scoring a spectacular volley.
When asked about the likelihood of him starting against the Germans in Dublin on October 16, The Guardian report the Italian manager as saying:
Probably no. Because I think about Aiden McGeady and others. Every manager must think about the strength of the opponents. I am not angry with him (about the Tweet). I never get angry with my players and I don’t watch Twitter.”
'McClean won't start against Germany', says Trap
JAMES MCCLEAN IS not first choice for Ireland’s qualifier with Germany next month, according to manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
With Damien Duff recently retiring from international football, it was expected that the talented Sunderland winger would push for a place on the flanks during the current World Cup campaign.
The 23-year-old started in the friendly against Serbia last month but did not make an appearance in the 2-1 win away to Kazakhstan, which prompted him to tweet his frustration.
McClean later apologised for his actions and Trapattoni insisted that the matter was forgotten about.
He was left on the bench for last night’s 4-1 win over Oman at Craven Cottage and, after seeing Andy Keogh and debutant Robbie Brady begin ahead of him, the former Derry City player was given a huge cheer when he entered the fray on 60 minutes.
Clearly eager to impress, he looked lively during the cameo and was yards away from scoring a spectacular volley.
When asked about the likelihood of him starting against the Germans in Dublin on October 16, The Guardian report the Italian manager as saying:
Gerrard disappointed with harsh red card
Open thread: what did you take of Ireland’s performance against Oman last night?
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COYBIG FAI Giovanni Trapattoni Ireland James McClean