Marked man McClean told to play on instinct

Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill has ordered wing sensation James McClean to continue to play on instinct as opponents start to target him.

The 22-year-old Republic of Ireland midfielder has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence since O’Neill threw him in at the deep end after his arrival at the Stadium of Light in December.

McClean, who joined the club in a £350,000 summer switch from Derry City, will head into tonight’s FA Cup quarter-final replay with Everton having celebrated his new improved contract with an eye-catching display in Saturday’s 3-1 Premier League win over QPR.