KENNY: MCCLEAN STILL HAS LOTS TO OFFER ON BIG STAGE

REPUBLIC of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny insists Stoke City’s James Mcclean remains an important part of his plans.

Mcclean has been edged out of the Ireland team by Brighton’s Aaron Connolly and was an unused substitute in the 1-1 against Bulgaria last month.

He came off the bench late on in the 1-0 defeat to Finland a few days later.

Mcclean, who played nine minutes of Stoke’s 1-1 draw against Birmingham City on Sunday, is expected to start on the bench again in Ireland’s Euro 2021 semifinal play-off in Slovakia tomorrow. But Kenny insists the 31-year-old still has a big role to play on the international scene. “Because James has just turned the other side of 30, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to play as much, he probably wants to play more than ever now,” Kenny told irishnews.com.

“I’m always open and honest with players. I think James can still have a big role to play, there’s no doubt about it.

“You pick the team that you think is right, the balance, so the potency, you’ve enough possibility to score goals. That’s the most important thing.

“James is a serious option, of course.”

Meanwhile, Stoke City have added goalkeeper Robbie Hemfrey to their under-23 squad.

The 18-year-old has represented Scotland at youth level and progressed through the youth system at Motherwell.

He left Fir Park at the end of last season, but has now been recruited by Stoke after impressing during a training spell.

He will provide competition for Blondy Nna Noukeu and Nathan Broome between the sticks in Kevin Russell’s side. Academy director Gareth Owen told the club’s website: ‘“Robbie spent the week training with us and impressed everyone with his shot stopping ability, personality and work ethic.

“He has a lot of raw potential and we are delighted that he has chosen to join us. We are all excited to work with him on his development moving forward.”