McClean willing to return after 'disrespectful' treatment by Kenny left sour taste

James McClean admits Stephen Kenny’s attitude to him persuaded him to quit the international scene. 

'DISRESPECTED': Footballer James McClean was in Dublin with AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity celebrating World Autism Month. Pic: Brian McEvoy.

James McClean has launched a blistering broadside at Stephen Kenny, insisting that “disrespectful” treatment of his Ireland swansong leaves a sour taste.

Kenny handed McClean his debut for Derry City in 2008 but the relationship deteriorated following a brief conversation when McClean inform the Ireland manager of his transfer to Wrexham at the start of last season.

Speaking yesterday, the 34-year-old declared their promotion to League One as justification for a move down the divisions that Kenny clearly didn’t feel was conducive to international rigours.

McClean admits Kenny’s attitude persuaded him to quit the international circuit last November, albeit he's amenable to return if his eventual successor requires his services.

The player’s annoyance at the handling of his exit is apparent through his words, even five months on.

From being dropped for the October double-header, the first time over his 12-year Ireland career, he was invited back for a farewell appearance but not in the fashion he’d envisaged.

Being drafted in late as an unused substitute for the final Euro qualifier in Netherlands – when he could have played 90 minutes against Accrington – was perplexing in itself before traditional protocols were dispensed with for a game marketed by the FAI as McClean’s last act in green.

The custom of bestowing the captaincy on a departing stalwart wasn’t granted despite McClean being rolled out in the pre-match press conference to boost derisory ticket sales for a friendly against New Zealand. There was little fanfare made about his goodbye either.

“To be not given the opportunity of leading the team out and then to be taken off after 66 minutes - not even as a single substitution but as a double substitution - I just thought was poor,” he reflects.

“It’s a moment you never get back but I wasn’t going to let it ruin the occasion.

“I’ll be honest, how my Ireland career ended leaves a sour taste in my mouth.” 

Last August came a turning point in the Derryman’s career when relegated and financially stricken Wigan Athletic needed to shift their captain off their wage bill.

Wrexham were a League Two club with a difference, a sleeping giant revitalised by the investment of Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

They’ve jumped from the Conference to League One in successive seasons and McClean felt their ambition appealed like no other club at that level.

“He couldn’t get off the phone quick enough,” he said of Kenny’s reaction. “That spoke of what he thought about the move. I don’t think he was on board.

“Ultimately, I would say that was a major factor in my decision to step away from Ireland.

“Sometimes when you make a decision, you are made to walk the plank.

“I felt that if I don’t walk away now, I may never get the opportunity to say goodbye on my terms.

“I thought it was very disrespectful. I had offers to stay in the Championship but at my age I wanted to do something that would excite and be a challenge.

“Wrexham had a project and it’s a successful one. Nobody forced me to make the move but I’m glad I did and there’s a sense of justification.” 

A new year and era have dawned for Ireland, yet the identity of the man at the helm remains elusive.

Whenever the FAI do succeed in curtailing the agonising wait for Kenny’s successor, a fit and agile McClean would be receptive to an invitation.

“It’s not something I’ll be campaigning for but if the call ever comes to play for your country, it’s a hard one to turn down,” he said, leaving open the possibility of a comeback.

“Look, the new manager might go in a different direction and fair play. As it stands, in my mind, I’m retired from international football but it’s a funny game and I’ll never say never.” 

He has watched from a distance and with disdain as the FAI scramble for a manager. John O’Shea’s candidature is one he’d gladly endorse, not just because they’re former teammates but due to O'Shea's standing in the game. The fellow centurion could be asked to fulfil interim duties again for the June double-header against Hungary and Portugal.

“This is just a circus - I don’t know another way to put it because it’s an absolute circus,” he sighed.

“It seems every week there is a new name being thrown in the mix and then that name is coming out and rejecting it or distancing himself from the job. It feels like we’re going around in circles.

“John (O’Shea) might lack managerial experience but knows the game inside out as well as the current players.

“Everyone else seems to be turning it down, so why not give it to John and see how he gets on?”