Whelan: Cut McClean hype

Glenn Whelan believes too much expectation is being heaped on James McClean’s young and inexperienced shoulders ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s appearance in next month’s European Championships.

McClean’s inclusion in Giovanni Trapattoni’s 23-man squad last Monday was met with widespread approval by press and supporters alike but Whelan was mindful to point out yesterday that this was a player with just 12 minutes of international football under his belt.

“For James, everything has gone right for him at the right time but he is only a young lad and has only just got into the Sunderland team so I don’t think anybody, especially us as players and people of the press, should be putting the pressure on him.”