Potteries move will suit Mac

JAMES MCCLEAN’S touted move to Stoke City has got the thumbs up from his international manager.

The Republic of Ireland winger is widely tipped to join the relegated Potters after their new boss Gary Rowett tried to sign him for Derby County in January.

While Mcclean (above) is a firm favourite with Ireland manager Martin O’neill, he only got a regular run in the West Brom team at the end of the season just past.

And although he has a year still to run on his Baggies deal, a switch to Stoke appears to be on the cards.

O’neill said: “I think that particular manager when he was at Derby tried to buy him in January and for one reason or another it didn’t materialise.

“I think James would feel this was a chance with a manager who liked his contributions to games and who could give him that opportunity to play more matches.

“If that’s the case, I’m sure he’s definitely in favour of that. James is one of those players who definitely needs to play matches.

“While he’s very, very fit, that would certainly give him a certain match sharpness that he needs, that all players need.

“If it did materialise and that’s what he wanted, I think it can only be good for him.”

Mcclean has also made no secret of the fact that he would love to play for Celtic and he got a great reception from the Parkhead faithful at Scott Brown’s testimonial against Ireland.

He was also wanted by Burnley last summer but that move never got off the ground.

After the Celtic game, Mcclean said: “Clubs might get a bid that’s too good to turn down. Or another club will offer you a deal that’s difficult for you to turn down. We’ll see what happens. I had tough days but that happens when you don’t play.”