James McClean to join RTÉ punditry panel for the World Cup

SUMMER SOOCER: James McClean has joined the RTÉ punditry panel for their coverage of the upcoming men’s World Cup. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile.

Ireland centurion James McClean has joined the RTÉ punditry panel for their coverage of the upcoming men’s World Cup.

Their free-to-air roster, from the kick off on Thursday week, June 11, features all 104 games in the expanded 48-nation showpiece being broadcast live from USA, Canada and Mexico.

The final will be held in New York on July 19.

McClean - who returned to his hometown club Derry City this season after 15 years playing in England - will be figure among a panel that includes Shay Given, Ronnie Whelan, Ray Houghton, Dietmar Hamann, Áine O’Gorman, Kenny Cunningham, Stephen Kelly, Keith Treacy, Richie Sadlier, Alan Cawley, Kevin Doyle and Niamh Fahey.

Joanne Cantwell, Peter Collins, Marie Crowe, Jacqui Hurley, Clare MacNamara, Tony O’Donoghue will all be taking their turns in the presenter’s chair.

Des Curran, Darragh Maloney, Adrian Eames, John Kenny and Cathal Mullaney will call all the action as commentators.