With key players on the sideline, Giovanni Trapattoni could turn to James McClean

Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2012 at 09:10 AM

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In roughly six months, Ireland will play their first game of the European Championships against Croatia.

Until that time, Giovanni Trapattoni's eyes, as well as the eyes of most Irish fans, will be watching over the quality of performances that Ireland's key players can produce in the Premier League and Championship.

Unfortunately for Trapattoni, Ireland's three most important players are not on the field much lately.

Robbie Keane's season has come to a close after his LA Galaxy side won the MLS title. Keane is on the verge of joining a Premier League club with Aston Villa heavily touted, but as things currently stand he is just another body training with Tottenham.
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Shay Given is still out after his long-term hamstring injury. Given should return and is such a veteran presence that he should be well prepared by the time the Championships come along.

What is the biggest worry for Trapattoni however is Damien Duff's recent fall from grace in Fulham. Duff hasn't featured much lately after suffering an injury earlier in the season. Duff's absence in the team has allowed Bryan Ruiz to step up and become a prominent figure in the side. Duff's prospects of regaining his starting place don't look good.

Despite being a key player, Duff cannot be guaranteed of his place without regular first team football entering a major tournament.

His place could be up for grabs and there is a new found spark playing for Sunderland who is attempting to force the coaching staff's hand.

Twenty two year old James McClean may have been born in Derry, Northern Ireland, but he has already declared himself for the Republic's national team.

McClean is an old-fashioned winger who has emerged recently for Sunderland with some stellar performances on the left wing. The former Derry City player has starred in his first five appearances for his new club.

He has shown a desire and determination to beat fullbacks repeatedly before whipping the ball into the box on first opportunity. With the athleticism to get up and down the wing for ninety minutes, there is no doubt that the physically gifted winger will be appealing to Trapattoni.

Despite being a stocky player, McClean shows great balance and quick feet as well as a good understanding of the position. Unlike most young players, his poise should forgo Trapattoni's skepticism that comes with trusting younger players.

As Damien Duff's struggles look set to continue, James McClean could usher in a new era on Ireland's wing earlier than expected.

McClean has, to an extent, come from nowhere to establish himself in the Premier League. Providing that he can continue his level of play over the course of the season, McClean could well find himself on the plane with the Irish national team.

Even better, he could find himself on the field too.

Tweeting @Cianaf
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ysek888 | Jan 08, 2012, 08:44 PM EST

Duff scored for Fulham in the cup yesterday.

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cillowen | Jan 07, 2012, 03:46 PM EST

McClean is an awesome prospect - just became to know of him on the tele recently. I wish him continuing improving success.

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PhlutiePhan | Jan 07, 2012, 10:19 AM EST

Damien Duff is a breath of "Irish Spring". Against Slovakia, he may have made the greatest play ever. He took it down the right wing at full throttle. He then whirled and put a left footed pass right on the noggin of Robbie K at the far post about one meter from the net. Since the score was nil-nil, you know what happened. I would really hate to see the Duffer miss the Euros after he worked so hard to get there.

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DaddyMac22 | Jan 06, 2012, 06:07 AM EST

McClean is dead set on playing for the Republic. That is all.

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Fightin69th | Jan 05, 2012, 01:18 PM EST

even though James McClean declared for the Republic, newly appointed Northern Ireland Manager Michael O'Neill will try to convince McClean to return to the North. O'Neill will also call on Martin O'Neill, the former NI international & current Sunderland Manager to convince McClean to play for the North. McClean can still play either for the North or the Republic until he is capped at a Senior FIFA competive match. In other words, Trap would need to cap him either during the Euro's (which means including him in the squad first of all) or in the World Cup Qualifiers starting in Sept. O'Neill will probably him name in his squad in their WCQ mathces in Sept.

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