McClean off to Euros

The former Derry City winger was selected in Giovanni Trapattoni’s 23 man Republic of Ireland squad, who will be facing Croatia, Italy and current World and Euro champions Spain.

Only last year the 23-year-old was playing against the likes of Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers and Bray Wanderers and since then he has tormented defenders such as Vincent Kompany, Kyle Walker, John Terry and Danny Simpson.

Those performances in the English Premiership led to him earning his first full international appearance under Trapattoni when he came off the bench to a standing ovation at the Aviva Stadium during the Republic of Ireland’s friendly against Czech Republic in February.

Since then the ex-St Peter’s High School student has continued his impressive form for the Black Cats and that form has also seen him collect the Young Player of the Year award at the Stadium of Light.

Also in the squad is fellow Derry man Darron Gibson, while former Candy Stripes keeper David Forde has also been named in the 23 man squad.