Wrexham midfielder James McClean has now dropped a hint on whether he’d return to the international fold with the Republic of Ireland.
James McClean enjoyed a fantastic first campaign at Wrexham.
The veteran midfielder – who spent most of the season as a left wing-back – recorded the most assists in Phil Parkinson’s squad (10) and acted as a model professional on and off the pitch.
McClean is currently in his mid-thirties, though the former Premier League star sets the standard with his performances on the pitch and work in training.
Parkinson has previously hailed the 35-year-old for his professionalism whilst former goalkeeper Ben Foster described him as the hardest-working player he’s ever seen.
That’s some praise for a player who once shared a dressing room with Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, but it just evinces how highly regarded he is in the sport.
The current Republic of Ireland caretaker and former Sunderland teammate, John O’Shea, has even discussed the possibility of bringing McClean back into the international fold, claiming the way he looks after himself is ‘incredible’.
James McClean discusses a possible Republic of Ireland return
McClean announced in October 2023 that he’d be retiring from international football at the end of the last campaign.
The veteran explained the reason for his retirement, stating a rift was created between him and then-manager Stephen Kenny following his move to Wrexham last summer.
Kenny wasn’t on board with McClean dropping down to League Two, with the Wrexham star claiming his former boss “couldn’t get off the phone quick enough”.
Now he’s no longer in the Republic of Ireland hot seat, it’s possible that the 35-year-old could return to the international fold, giving his thoughts on the current situation.
Speaking on RTE on Tuesday night, McClean said: “Well, first and foremost the call has to come.
“It’s easy to sit here and say – ‘ah, no, I’m done’ or ‘I’d love to come back.’
“But, until that call comes where you’re being asked to come up and represent your country again – think if that call comes – then I’ll have a better answer in my mind.
“I’ve been going back and forth but until that call comes…I’ll know then and there.”
League One will strengthen James McClean’s international hopes
McClean is always open to playing for his country and announcing his retirement didn’t necessarily mean closing a book on that chapter.
An opportunity to return, whether that is under former teammate O’Shea, or with the next permanent manager, would be something he’d surely take.
Ultimately, the main reason he dropped out of the reckoning was down to Kenny’s reluctance to pick someone from League Two, although McClean has shown that hasn’t affected his performance levels.
The midfield machine has even explained how when he left Wigan Athletic last summer, he had offers from Championship clubs, so the fact he chose Wrexham speaks volumes of his belief in the project.
Now the Reds have returned to League One and with at least 20 of their matches shown on Sky Sports, McClean’s performances will be put under the microscope and ahead of September’s international break, a purple patch of form could see him selected for the squad.