‘It’s a dream come true’

James McClean last night expressed his delight after he was added to Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland squad for the friendly against the Czech Republic game tomorrow week.

Having received word in the form of a text message yesterday morning, the winger was clearly thrilled as he watched his former club Derry City beat Lisburn Distillery in the Setanta Cup at the Brandywell last night.

“The call-up came as a major shock to me. I certainly wasn’t expecting it as I wasn’t included in the original squad,’’ he said.

“But I’m not complaining, I’m just delighted and I can’t wait for the opportunity.’’

But the Sunderland winger continues to take nothing for granted and viewed his late, late inclusion as an opportunity, nothing more.

“It’s another dream come true for me. I left Derry City to join Sunderland last summer and it’s really worked out for me so far.

“And that has to be the priority in my career at the moment.

“I believe I’ve got to continue working hard at the Stadium of Light and do all in my power to keep my place in the first team.

“To have been called-up for the friendly international in the Aviva Stadium is another big step. To be honest, it’s come about very quickly, but I don’t see that as a problem.

“I’ve actually dreamt about this throughout my footballing life and having received that text, it’s unbelievable, I’m still floating and buzzing. It’s been an amazing day.”

McClean was the first to accept that to get a run-out against the Czech Republic next week would give him a great personal boost.

“I’m keeping my fingers firmly crossed, but of course, it’s a big step.

“While I would be absolutely thrilled to get an opportunity to play, I think it’s very important that I be involved in the squad.

“I’m happy with that and meeting the players is another big thing for me. I’ve already met a few of them since joining Sunderland but I’m anxious to get to know them all.

“I think that’s all part of it and I understand that. I’m happy to take my time and take it step by step, the priority was to get a call-up and, as I’ve said, I’m absolutely thrilled and looking forward to the experience.”

Refusing to get involved in speculation that he could, possibly, be a wild card for the Euros, the winger remained focused and refused to get carried away.

“I’ve been involved in a rollercoaster ride over the past six or seven months, I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and long may it continue.

“To go to the Euros with Ireland would be out of this world for me but, to be perfectly honest, I’m not even thinking about that at the moment.

“It’s simply an opportunity which I intend to take full advantage of. To get my name into the manager’s plans and, hopefully, to show him what I can do if given the chance.’’