McClean plans to play for Ireland

Striker James McClean has confirmed his intention to switch allegiance to the Republic of Ireland after claiming he is on the verge of a move to Barclays Premier League club Sunderland.

McClean last night pulled out of Nigel Worthington’s Northern Ireland squad for Wednesday’s night’s “must win” Euro 2012 qualifier against the Faroes Islands amid speculation over a move from Derry to the north east.