Derry’s McClean switches loyalty

GARETH MCAULEY has brushed aside James McClean’s decision to snub Northern Ireland and says the team’s Euro 2012 hopes will not be sidetracked by the issue.

Nigel Worthington handed the highly-rated Derry City forward a first call-up for tomorrow night’s Group C qualifier against Brian Kerr’s Faroe Islands only for the 22-year-old to withdraw, citing a desire to represent the Republic of Ireland instead.

McClean had played for Northern Ireland at youth and Under-21 level but has now declared his intention to take advantage of a FIFA ruling that allows players born in Northern Ireland to play for either national side.

It is a controversial issue, with the likes of Darron Gibson, Shane Duffy, Marc Wilson, Daniel Kearns, Paul George, Adam Barton and Dan Devine all opting for a similar path.

But McAuley believes those who are committed to the Northern Irish cause will not let McClean’s decision bother them.

“To be honest, we are a group of players and we see it like this: if someone wants to play for us, great. If not, we’re not interested,” he said.

“That’s our attitude and we’re tight together. If someone has to think about playing for Northern Ireland then we aren’t interested (in them).

“We wish them all the best with whatever they want to do, but I don’t even think we should talking about it.”