Cool McClean hero again

JAMES McCLEAN added to his growing reputation with another sparkling performance as Sunderland’s renaissance under Martin O’Neill continued at London Road, easing past npower Championship side Peterborough to make it through to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Black Cats controlled the first half and almost went ahead when McClean — a £350,000 signing from Derry City — rattled the bar with a fierce drive in the first half. They soon took the lead after the break through Sebastian Larsson’s free-kick.

McClean, 22, who has declared his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland, despite contact from new Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill, got the goal he deserved just before the hour when he glanced home Larsson’s cross to make it five wins from seven matches since O’Neill took charge.