Source: Daily_Mail
James McClean wants to play for the Republic
James McClean has confirmed his intention to switch allegiance to the Republic of Ireland with the winger due in Sunderland on Monday ahead of his ?1million move from Derry City.The 22-year-old pulled out of Nigel Worthington's Northern Ireland squad for Wednesday's night's 'must win' Euro 2012 qualifier against the Faroe Islands.And McClean, set for a medical at the Stadium of Light on Monday, has confirmed his plan to make himself available for the Republic despite playing at youth level for Northern Ireland. Change of heart: James McClean now wants to represent the Republic of Ireland[LNB]'It was a blow seeing Irish League players being called up before me to the Northern Ireland squad, but having got the call I was relieved,' McClean said in the Belfast Telegraph.'However, it's always been my dream to play for the Republic and hopefully that will become a reality now that I'm going to be a Sunderland player.'McClean becomes the latest player to turn his back on Northern Ireland, taking advantage of a FIFA ruling that allows players from the island of Ireland to choose which national side they represent providing they have not played for the other in a competitive senior international.Dan Devine, Darron Gibson, Shane Duffy, Marc Wilson, Daniel Kearns and Paul George have made the switch before him.Although Worthington hopes to add Alex Bruce - twice capped by the Republic in friendlies - to the Northern Ireland ranks, the IFA have publicly bemoaned that the ruling has had a destabilising effect on them. Upset: Northern Ireland boss Worthington is disappointed by McClean's decision[LNB] The IFA is today due to appoint 1982 World Cup hero Gerry Armstrong to the role of international player liaison officer, with one of his main tasks being to keep young players in the fold.[LNB]'Playing for Northern Ireland is a greathonour - we need to make sure players realise that from a young age,' Armstrong said in the Belfast Telegraph.[LNB]'I'm disappointed in James' decision butmaybe this could be one of those scenarios where I intervene. Ultimately it will be Nigel's decision.'[LNB]In the shorter term, Worthington has nowlost three strikers from his squad for Wednesday's match, with Josh McQuoid and Martin Peterson pulling out through injury.[LNB]Worthington said: 'It is disappointing to lose players ahead of an important qualifier; but our focus remains on Wednesday night and the players available for the game against the Faroe Islands.'[LNB]Three of the six forwards originally selected for the Faroes match remain available to Worthington, with Warren Feeney and the recalled Jamie Ward battling to join record scorerDavid Healy in the starting XI for what is a must-win match in qualification terms.[LNB] I'll play you, Craig! Sunderland boss Bruce to move for City outcast Bellamy Danny's the boy, says Sunderland boss BruceBolton step up interest in Man City misfit Wright-Phillips after Lee horror injuryAll the latest Sunderland AFC news, features and opinion[LNB]
