McClean building up for big finish

IF the last six months have been something of a whirlwind for James McClean, the next six could be an even greater chapter in the life of the young man from Derry.

After displaying all the match-winning attributes that Premier League defences have become wary of to help Sunderland continue their transformation under Martin O’Neill with a comfortable win over Queens Park Rangers, McClean is now thinking about an FA Cup final.

It was only 10 months ago the 22-year-old newly-capped Republic of Ireland player carried on a family tradition by settling down to watch the action unfold at Wembley, when Manchester City took on Stoke.