'I aint available' - Unhappy McClean reacts to Hallgrimsson's reasons for lack of call-up 

Hallgrímsson granted a first Ireland call-up to USA-born defender Kevin O'Toole, prompting several commentators to ask if McClean should have been selected instead.

Wrexham's James McClean gestures during the Sky Bet Championship match at the SToK Stadium, Wrexham. Picture date: Cody Froggatt/PA Wire. 

James McClean has doubled down on his international retirement after hearing of Heimir Hallgrímsson's reasons for not calling on the Derryman for Ireland's final World Cup qualifiers.

Hallgrímsson has granted a first Ireland call-up to USA-born defender Kevin O'Toole, prompting several commentators to ask if McClean should have been selected instead. 

McClean retired from international football in November 2023 after winning 103 caps. However, in April of last year, he hinted that retirement was partly down to feeling disrespected by then manager Stephen Kenny, and indicating he would be willing to return if needed.

“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,” McClean said.

“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.”

Hallgrímsson, speaking ahead of Ireland's double header with Portgual and Hungary, suggested the now-36-year-old had been in consideration but decided against a call based on McClean's modest playing time with Wrexham this season, due to injury.

"James was in our thoughts. It was just that his playing time has been really limited. But he was in our minds and we talked about him, yes."

On reading those remarks, McClean responded via his Instagram account, closing the door on a return and suggesting playing time hasn't been an issue with previous squad selections.

"Must be a new thing cause it’s never been an issue but anyways there is no need to talk about me because I ain’t available for selection as I am RETIRED... I retired."

McClean went on to wish Ireland look in the crucial matches.

"Good luck tonight and Sunday... dare to do what many think is impossible and make a place in history for yourselves."