O’Neill issues warning to McClean

Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill has warned rising star James McClean life in the Premier League is only going to get more difficult after handing him a new improved contract.

The 22-year-old, who joined the Black Cats from Derry City in a £350,000 summer move, has seen his initial three-year deal replaced by another which will keep him on Wearside until the summer of 2015.

McClean, who will get his latest chance to impress against struggling QPR today, has never looked back since bursting on to the scene as a substitute in O’Neill’s first game at the helm at the start of December, and his growing prominence was last month rewarded with a first senior Republic of Ireland cap.