James McClean relishing Euro role

James McClean is determined to make the most of his opportunity to go to a second major finals tournament with the Republic of Ireland.

Four years ago, McClean was handed a wild card entry to Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine, having only won his first senior cap in February 2012.

He managed only a few minutes on the pitch as a substitute in the 4-0 defeat to Spain in Poland, but with Ireland boss Martin O’Neill — who was McClean’s manager at Sunderland four years ago — indicating he will be on the plane once again when the squad leaves for France on June 8, he is desperate to grasp his chance second time around.