McClean took pay cut to revive career at Latics, reveals Coyle

Wigan manager Owen Coyle believes James McClean has learned from his mistakes and has revealed the Republic of Ireland winger took a pay cut to join the Latics.

McClean joined Wigan from Sunderland earlier this week and could make his debut against Manchester United in the Community Shield at Wembley tomorrow.

The 24-year-old has previously found himself in hot water with Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni and former Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill over his conduct on Twitter but Coyle feels McClean is now ready to focus on football.

“We have all done silly things, as young men,” said Coyle.

“The bottom line is, having had a chat with him, I know he is focused and just wants to concentrate on his football. If we get James McClean doing that, there is no doubt he is a huge talent.”

Coyle feels McClean’s decision to drop down a division and accept a pay cut is a sign of his desire to play.

“He took a drop in salary to come, such was his desire to play football,” said Coyle. “That was fantastic to see in a young man. All too often in football, finance is the motivation for some players.

“It is great to have someone at your club prepared to take a step back because he believes it will lead to making two forward.”