McClean cleared to play for Republic of Ireland

James McClean has been officially cleared to play for the Republic of Ireland.

The FAI confirmed yesterday they had received the green light from Fifa for the in-form Sunderland winger who had previously played at youth level for Northern Ireland before committing to the Republic last year.

With the paperwork on the switch now rubberstamped, it means all eyes will be on Giovanni Trapattoni today when he names his squad for the European Championship finals warm-up friendly against the Czech Republic in Dublin on February 29.