THE RISE AND RISE OF JAMES MCCLEAN

NOVEMBER11,2007 Makes his debut for Institute against Glentoran as a 18- year- old amateur in a 4- 0 defeat. SEPTEMBER8,2008 Having turned down a move to Lincoln City, Mcclean moves to Derry and makes his debut as a substitute against Cork City at Turner’s Cross in a 1- 1 draw. MARCH2010 Derry’s relegation hands Mcclean more opportunities as a starter in Stephen Kenny’s team. Scores eight goals as the Candystripes are promoted. April1,2011 Scores his first Premier Division goal of the season against Bray Wanderers and goes on to score five in April. July8,2011 Reading manager Brian Mcdermott and Peterborough’s Darren Ferguson join Wigan scouts watching Mcclean as Derry beat Shamrock Rovers. The player impresses, despite admitting that the attention from scouts is affecting him. JULY26,2011 Receives call- up to the Northern Ireland senior squad, but declines Nigel Worthington’s offer as he wants to play for the Republic. JULY30- 31,2011 Represents the Airtricity League twice at the Dublin Super Cup against Manchester City and, as a substitute, against Celtic. The side lose both games heavily, but Steve Bruce sees enough to step up his interest in Mcclean. AUGUST10,2011 Signs for Sunderland on a three- year deal for £ 325,000. Bruce cautions that the winger is one for the future. “We can’t expect James to walk into the Premier League and be an instant success,” he says. DECEMBER8,2011 After a poor start to the season, Bruce is replaced by Martin O’neill, who braves the elements to watch the Black Cats’ reserves take on Manchester United. They win 6- 3 and, although Ryan Noble scores four times, it is the powerful left winger who caught the new manager’s eye. DECEMBER12,2011 With Blackburn leading 1- 0 in O’neill’s first match, he throws on the 22- year- old for his debut. Mcclean makes an immediate impact, with his direct play causing problems for the Blackburn defence as the Wearsiders storm back to win 2- 1. JANUARY1,2012 After three substitute appearances, Mcclean is handed his first start as Sunderland stun Manchester City on New Year’s Day. JANUARY3,2012 Scores his first Premier League goal in the win over Wigan, before netting in the FA Cup against Peterborough five days later. FEBRUARY10,2012 Now a regular starter for Sunderland, Mcclean receives international clearance to play for Ireland, but Giovanni Trapattoni remains unconvinced, leaving him out of the squad for the friendly against the Czech Republic and telling him that he is one

for the future and must be patient. FEBRUARY20,2012 Added to the Ireland squad after strong displays in two games against Arsenal. FEBRUARY29,2012 Mcclean makes his Ireland debut as a substitute against the Czechs. Greeted with a massive roar, he impresses on the left wing with his direct play as Ireland battle to a 1- 1 draw. MAY2,2012 Earns the Young Player of the Year award at Sunderland after six goals in 29 appearances for the Black Cats. Trapattoni says Mcclean is “90- 99pc” certain to go to Euro 2012. YESTERDAY Mcclean is named in the 23- man squad for the European Championships .

RUAIDHRI O’CONNOR