Hallgrímsson: McClean was in our thoughts but Wrexham playing time has been limited

LACK OF ACTION: James McClean's lack of minutes at Wrexham denied him Ireland recall. Pic: Cody Froggatt/PA Wire.

James McClean’s sparsity of gametime at Wrexham cost him an Ireland recall for the problem left-back position, according to Heimir Hallgrímsson.

Injuries to Robbie Brady and Callum O’Dowda, along with the suspension of Ryan Manning, leaves Ireland with a gaping cavity to fill against Portugal’s star-studded attack on Thursday.