Scales elevation decisive factor in McClean axing

Kenny indicated McClean’s drop into League Two with Wrexham also wasn’t ideal for his international future.

McClean will hang up his international boots after Ireland's friendly against New Zealand next month.

The emergence of Liam Scales as a Celtic regular pushed James McClean out of the Irish squad, confirmed Stephen Kenny.

Odd timing of McClean’s intention to retire next month being announced this morning gained some rationale when he was dropped from the panel for the Euro qualifiers against Greece on Friday week and Gibraltar three days later.