Mcclean passes Trap’s‘ trust test’
competitor who causes problems with his direct style of play. The confidence is refreshing. And he ticks a lot of the boxes that Trapattoni is looking for.
From day one, the Italian has been worried by the lack of height in his team. Damien Duff and Aidan Mcgeady are never going to offer an aerial threat, and Coleman is another in a similar bracket. It is a key part of his selection process. Trapattoni was recently asked about the identity of his second- choice right- back after John O'shea, and he said it was Stephen Kelly. When Kevin Foley was put forward as another suggestion, he immediately mentioned the Wolves man's size as the reason he is down the pecking order.
So that's another reason why Mcclean could figure in Poland. It may seem a small technical point, but a significant factor in Kevin Kilbane's enduring run in the Irish side was his ability to head the ball. When it came to kick- outs, the order for Shay Given was to aim the ball towards Kilbane's left flank. Not pretty, but effective. Trapattoni's fondness for the little details will bring that into consideration.
Mcclean’s personality will also have impressed the manager, who is slightly bemused by the Irish drinking culture. Others have suffered – and remain out of the squad – due to their late- night social habits. Mcclean is a tee- totaller who has never been attracted by alcohol. That will endear him to the boss.
He does have a mischievous side, though. When he took to Twitter to announce his pride at the call- up, he was met with some abuse from Northern Ireland fans who have never forgiven him for his decision to switch international allegiance last year.
Mcclean represented the North at underage level and should probably have been called into their squad for last summer's Carling Nations Cup – when Ireland thrashed an awful makeshift selection 5- 0. However, Nigel Worthington was extremely reluctant to call up players from the League of Ireland and the left- winger was overlooked. His new profile after the switch to England has allowed him to follow his dream.
On the social networking forum, he takes a combative approach to his critics. His profile picture captures him holding a plaque which says ‘ You are now entering Free Derry' and, in response to the post- squad criticism, he called out Northern Ireland fans by telling them they should concentrate on their own country in the European Championships, before mockingly recalling that they hadn't qualified.
Some would advise players against going down that route, but Mcclean tends to do things his own way.
It's taken him this far. His is already a remarkable story. The best chapter could be just around the corner.