Trapattoni was keen to emphasise a fresh start for the country after their dismal showing in Poland, with new players like McClean central to that aim. International calling: McClean (left) could make his debut start The Sunderland winger enjoyed an excellent season since Martin O'Neill took over at the Wearside club last term, but only made one substitute appearance at Euro 2012 as Trapattoni stuck to his conservative principles despite calls to throw the 23-year-old straight into action.However, the Italian did hand McClean a start as part of a three-man strikeforce during last month's 0-0 draw against Serbia, and could now start him in the same position in Friday's Group C opener.'
After his 90 minutes against Serbia, his position was clear,' Trapattoni told a press conference.'We tried to play him differently but after 20 minutes I changed his position. Maybe in Kazakhstan McClean will play up with the two strikers. That is not a problem for him.'We have also other players who can play in that position.'The position is different (to where he usually plays), but he can also play there. We will wait and see what the condition of the other players is but he could play there.' Stepping up: McClean was part of the Republic's Euro 2012 squad
Source: mail_online
