Bruce has high hopes for new Irish recruit McClean

SUNDERLAND manager Steve Bruce has high hopes for their latest League of Ireland acquisition, James McClean.

The Derry City man has already appeared on the bench for the first team, having only joined the Black Cats in August.

Says Bruce: “He’s done very well in the two or three games we’ve seen — so well that we’ve put him on the bench. He’s naturally left-sided, he’s six foot one and he runs up and down the left side.

“If he has an impact like [David[] Meyler has, then we’ll be absolutely delighted. It’s still early days but he’s done very well and let’s hope that continues.”

Meanwhile, the EA Sports Cup final takes the honours today, there are also two games in the Airtricity League First Divison with leaders Shelbourne away to Athlone Town (7.30pm) and Finn Harps at home to Salthill Devon (7.45pm).

And in the Premier Division tomorrow, Shamrock Rovers will be hoping to get their title defence back on track at home to Bray Wanderers in Tallaght Stadium (3pm).