Soccer Digest: Humbled McClean no longer a twit, Brady’s move, laws in charge, Lennon’s fury

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Humbled McClean No Longer a Twit

Sunderland winger James McClean has publicly admitted he was “stupid and idiotic” to attack his Irish boss Giovanni Trapattoni on Twitter after the recent World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan.

Derry-born McClean has since quit the social network site for the second time after both Trapattoni and his club boss Martin O’Neill warned him about his behavior.

The 23-year-old had to apologize to his Ireland teammates before last week’s 4-1 win over Oman or risk expulsion from the international squad.

After Trap used him only as a sub against Oman in London, McClean admitted he had learned his lesson.

“I’m able to laugh about it now and we’re able to joke about it, so it has helped integrate me I suppose,” McClean said.

“It’s the greatest honor to play for your country and that’s where my frustration came from. It was stupid. It was idiotic but I’m human and it’s over and done with now. I’ve learned from it.”

Having received the biggest cheer of the night from the Irish fans when he was introduced as a second half sub, McClean wants to let his football skills make amends for his Twitter mistakes.

He added, “I was just delighted to get on the pitch considering what has happened on this trip.

“I’m just glad that it’s all over and done with now. It was nice to get on and the fans were amazing. They’ve taken to me from day one. They’re a great bunch.”

Sunderland boss O’Neill has also warned McClean it is time to grow up and act responsibly.

“James has been acting rather strangely. It’s good when the player not only wants to play, but he also wants to manage the team as well,” O’Neill said.

“James is rather young for that at the moment. I think Mr. Trapattoni has got a couple of years on him and a couple of titles too in front of James, so I think he’s entitled to pick the team.

“He has even admitted himself he has been rather foolish. He has taken himself off Twitter, apparently then he might have a situation with Facebook as well and about 14 other accounts that he has.

“He has a bit of a problem and we will have to rectify it. We can have a bit of a joke about it and laugh about it and think, well, that’s okay.

“James does know the rules -- they were read to him, they were given to him, he was there that day -- and not only that, some of his language was pretty poor and we will have to deal with that.

“Genuinely, we can have a laugh about it first of all, but now it’s getting a bit ridiculous.”
 
Brady’s Move

Young Dubliner Robbie Brady is to seek a loan move away from Manchester United after his debut goal for Ireland in the 4-1 win over Oman last week.

Brady was hugely impressive as a second string Irish side ran out easy winners in the low key match at Craven Cottage.

Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has said he will take his time with Brady and won’t throw the youngster in at the World Cup deep end against Germany next month.

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Nster.com