John O'Shea Holds Talks with James McClean on Reversing Retirement from International Football

Republic of Ireland's interim head coach, John O'Shea, has initiated discussions with James McClean, aiming to persuade the veteran winger to reconsider his retirement from international football. McClean, who currently plays for Wrexham, had previously retired from international duty in November 2022 after earning his 103rd cap.

O'Shea, who took over as interim head coach in February 2024, has been actively engaging with players to build a robust squad. His recent conversations with McClean are part of this effort. McClean had a successful season with Wrexham, contributing significantly to their promotion to League One, which could lead to more opportunities.

McClean's retirement from international football came after a phone call with former Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, which McClean described as leaving a 'sour taste.' Despite this, O'Shea believes that McClean's passion for representing Ireland remains strong. 'I spoke to James. I know James well from his young Sunderland days. I spoke to him because I know the type of character he would be, desperate to help out if possible,' O'Shea said, hinting at a potential return.

O'Shea has already recalled other experienced players like Robbie Brady and Enda Stevens to the squad, indicating his willingness to blend experience with youth. However, he has also emphasized the importance of focusing on younger talent for the current international window. 'I said look, just go and enjoy your summer. If he's obviously showing what he can do later on next season, we can deal with that,' O'Shea mentioned, considering the international call.

McClean, who has played for several English clubs including Sunderland, Wigan Athletic, West Bromwich Albion, and Stoke City, joined Wrexham in August 2022. His performances have impressed many, including Wrexham's co-owner Ryan Reynolds, who praised McClean's tenacity, saying, 'I love watching him – God, what a scrapper.'

O'Shea's approach to managing the national team has been well received by fans, who appreciate his proactive engagement with players and his efforts to build a balanced squad. His interim tenure has seen him integrate younger players like Ryan Manning, Anselmo García McNulty, Tayo Adaramola, and Alex Murphy into the team, which could lead to a strong team in the future.

The discussions with McClean highlight O'Shea's strategy of maintaining a blend of experienced players and emerging talent. As O'Shea continues to shape the future of Irish football, the potential return of a seasoned player like McClean could provide a significant boost to the national team's prospects.

Key Takeaways

• John O'Shea, Ireland's interim head coach, is trying to persuade James McClean to reconsider his international retirement.
• McClean retired from international duty in 2022 after earning his 103rd cap.
• O'Shea believes McClean's passion for representing Ireland remains strong despite his retirement.
• O'Shea is blending experience with youth, recalling players like Robbie Brady and Enda Stevens to the squad.
• McClean's potential return could provide a significant boost to the national team's prospects.