James McClean (Irish footballer)
Encyclopedia
James McClean is a professional football
player currently playing for Sunderland. Despite playing for Northern Ireland's U21s
, McClean has chosen to represent the Republic of Ireland
at international level, however has yet to be called up. James was notable before his footballing days for being the nephew of Derry born actor Nano Mc Clean who is most notable for his striking resemblance to Robert De Niro and his starring role in the 1980's American TV hit Mork and Mindy.
area of Derry
, McClean has come up through the ranks at Derry City
. He made his first team début in 2008 and scored in that game in the FAI League Cup final win over Bohemians
at the Brandywell, aged 18. He was one of the first four players to sign for the new Derry City, along with David McDaid
, and McEleney brothers, Shane and Patrick. He has been described by Candystripes manager Stephen Kenny "as an exciting prospect for the future".
on 9 August 2011 for a fee of £350,000, signing a three-year contract. Sunderland fans were skeptical McClean would fill the void of the departed Steed Malbranque
, with manager Steve Bruce
indicating he would not be seen in the first team for potentially the duration of the season. Since signing however, his impressive form in the development squad capped by a reserve-debut goal in a 4-3 win over Newcastle United recently earned him a place on the Sunderland bench.
in 2008 and scored in the opening game in a 3–1 against the USA. He has also represented Northern Ireland seven times at Under 21 level. On 26 July 2011. He was called up to the Northern Ireland senior squad for the match against The Faroe Islands
on 10 August 2011.
On August 6th 2011 he officially decided to wait for a call up to the Republic of Ireland squad and therefore pulled out of the Northern Ireland squad.
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
player currently playing for Sunderland. Despite playing for Northern Ireland's U21s
Northern Ireland national under-21 football team
The Northern Ireland national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Northern Ireland.-Former coaches:* To 20 August 2008.-2008/09 Matches:-Current squad:Squad to play San Marino.-Other Recent Call-Ups:...
, McClean has chosen to represent the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
at international level, however has yet to be called up. James was notable before his footballing days for being the nephew of Derry born actor Nano Mc Clean who is most notable for his striking resemblance to Robert De Niro and his starring role in the 1980's American TV hit Mork and Mindy.
Derry City
From the CregganCreggan, Derry
Creggan is a large housing estate in Derry in Northern Ireland. It was the first housing estate built in Derry specifically to provide housing for the Catholic majority. It is situated on the outskirts of the city and is built on a hill. The name Creggan is derived from the Gaelic word creagán...
area of Derry
Derry
Derry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
, McClean has come up through the ranks at Derry City
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
. He made his first team début in 2008 and scored in that game in the FAI League Cup final win over Bohemians
Bohemian F.C.
Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
at the Brandywell, aged 18. He was one of the first four players to sign for the new Derry City, along with David McDaid
David McDaid
David McDaid is a professional football player currently playing for Derry City.-Derry City:...
, and McEleney brothers, Shane and Patrick. He has been described by Candystripes manager Stephen Kenny "as an exciting prospect for the future".
Sunderland
McClean joined SunderlandSunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
on 9 August 2011 for a fee of £350,000, signing a three-year contract. Sunderland fans were skeptical McClean would fill the void of the departed Steed Malbranque
Steed Malbranque
Steed Malbranque is a Belgian-born French footballer who last played for Saint-Étienne. Malbranque had previously played professionally for Lyon in his native France before moving to England where he had spells with Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland.-Lyon:He was a trainee at Lyon youth...
, with manager Steve Bruce
Steve Bruce
Stephen Roger "Steve" Bruce is an English football manager and former player. Born in Corbridge, Northumberland, he was a promising schoolboy footballer but was rejected by a number of professional clubs. He was on the verge of quitting the game altogether when he was offered a trial with Gillingham...
indicating he would not be seen in the first team for potentially the duration of the season. Since signing however, his impressive form in the development squad capped by a reserve-debut goal in a 4-3 win over Newcastle United recently earned him a place on the Sunderland bench.
International career
McClean was part of the Northern Ireland team that won the Milk CupMilk Cup
The Milk Cup is an international youth football tournament held annually in Northern Ireland. The cup matches are mainly played in the North Coast area of Northern Ireland, with matches taking place in the towns of Portrush, Portstewart, Castlerock, Limavady, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballymena and...
in 2008 and scored in the opening game in a 3–1 against the USA. He has also represented Northern Ireland seven times at Under 21 level. On 26 July 2011. He was called up to the Northern Ireland senior squad for the match against The Faroe Islands
Faroe Islands national football team
The Faroe Islands national football team represents the Faroe Islands in association football and is controlled by the Faroe Islands Football Association, the governing body for football in the Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands became a member of FIFA in 1988 and UEFA in 1990 and are the third...
on 10 August 2011.
On August 6th 2011 he officially decided to wait for a call up to the Republic of Ireland squad and therefore pulled out of the Northern Ireland squad.
Club
| Club | Season | League | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | ||
| Derry City Derry City F.C. Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division... |
2009 | 27 | 1 |
| 2010 | 30 | 10 | |
| 2011 | 16 | 7 | |
| Total | 73 | 18 | |
| Sunderland | 2011–12 2011–12 Premier League The 2011–12 Premier League is the twentieth season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2011–12 fixtures were announced on 17 June 2011 at 9:00 BST. The season began on 13 August 2011 and is due to end on 13 May 2012... |
0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | |
| Career Total | 73 | 18 | |