Disparity in professionalism is holding domestic players back, insists McClean

McClean thinks that European group-stage qualification by League of Ireland teams should be the norm rather than exception.

MORE PROFESSIONALISM NEEDED: James McClean of Republic of Ireland. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

James McClean has offered a damning critique on the League of Ireland.

The Ireland centurion was speaking as he and fellow internationals launched a scheme that will help fund a scholarship for one male and female form next season with national league clubs.