McClean will stay on Trap’s radar

JAMES McCLEAN may take some convincing, but it is highly unlikely the youngster’s glaring second half miss at Stamford Bridge diminished his all-round performance in the eyes of the Giovanni Trapattoni.

Trapattoni was in the stands to check on the Sunderland winger, who has quickly made an impression since breaking into the first team last month and is revelling in the responsibility placed in him by manager Martin O’Neill.

The Derry-born McClean has confirmed his commitment to the Republic of Ireland despite representing the north at U21 level and is being considered by Trapattoni as a possible contender for a place in his Euro 2012 squad.