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Young Irish players can learn a lot from James McClean – Stephen Kenny
Young Irish players can learn a lot from James McClean – Stephen Kenny
Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has urged his young hopefuls to learn from veteran James McClean after he announced his impending retirement from international football. The 34-year-old Wrexham midfielder revealed his intention to end his time with Ireland after 102 caps, 11 goals and two European Championship campaigns following next month’s friendly against New Zealand on Thursday morning. Hours later, international boss Kenny, who first managed the player as a youngster at Derry City, paid tribute to both his quality and intensity after naming a 24-man squad which did not include him for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Greece and Gibraltar. Kenny said: “He’s had a terrific career, James. Young Irish players can learn a lot from him, how he approached his career. Ireland was always at the forefront of his thoughts, it was always the pinnacle for him and it was always the most important thing, to play for his country. You had to respect that. “From my point of view as a manager – obviously I managed him as a teenager, gave him his debut and then sold him to Sunderland. But people change in that period and obviously he’s a different personality then when I managed the Irish team (Derry) because he’s in his 30s by the time I take up the Ireland team, so he’s a different personality. “But if there are any grey areas about who might play in the team sometimes and decisions are not made and depending on who’s available, he’s so forceful in his training performances, sometimes he gets himself in the team by just his sheer intensity in his training in the sessions. “It’s hard to ignore him then, when someone trains like that, in the games.” Derry-born former Sunderland, Wigan, West Brom and Stoke man McClean, who has repeatedly found himself at the centre of controversy over his decision not to wear a Remembrance Day poppy on his club shirt, had earlier spoken of his pride at representing his country over 11 years. He said in a statement issued on social media: “It has the meant the absolute world and more to be able to pull on the green jersey with honour, step out onto a football pitch – especially at the Aviva Stadium – to represent our great country, standing singing Amhran na bhFiann ready to go out into battle with your fellow countrymen. “Nothing has ever come close. I gave absolutely everything I had of myself to ensure that I did the jersey, the fans and the country proud, and know that I never took it for granted each time. I hope that showed. “It will be heartbreaking not to be involved beyond this year, but I feel now is the right time to step aside without any regrets. “I lived my own and every young Irish footballer’s dream – and represented this country with pride.” McClean’s absence from the squad was not the only one of note, with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher also missing after suffering a gash to his knee in training which required 12 stitches, while Sheffield United defender John Egan and Cardiff winger Callum O’Dowda are also unavailable because of injury. However, Celtic winger Mikey Johnston and Cardiff forward Callum Robinson were included for the games against Greece in Dublin on Friday, October 13 and Gibraltar in Faro three days later. Ireland’s hopes of qualification are all but over after Group B defeats by France and the Netherlands last month left them with just three points from a possible 15. Squad: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Stoke, on loan from Bournemouth), Max O’Leary (Bristol City), Matt Doherty (Wolves), Festy Ebosele (Udinese), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Shane Duffy (Norwich), Dara O’Shea (Burnley), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Liam Scales (Celtic), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Brom), Alan Browne (Preston), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Evan Ferguson (Brighton), Adam Idah (Norwich), Aaron Connolly (Hull), Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton), Callum Robinson (Cardiff), Mikey Johnston (Celtic). Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Aaron Ramsey to miss Wales’ November Euro 2024 qualifiers, says Cardiff manager Joe Root leads England to 282 for nine in World Cup opener against New Zealand Alan Shearer leads tributes after Newcastle’s Champions League demolition job
2023-10-05 22:30
Portugal routs Luxembourg in record 9-0 win without suspended Ronaldo. Drone delays Armenia-Croatia
Portugal routs Luxembourg in record 9-0 win without suspended Ronaldo. Drone delays Armenia-Croatia
Portugal didn’t need Cristiano Ronaldo to rack up its biggest-ever win in a competitive game
2023-09-12 05:52
Is Copenhagen v Man Utd on TV? Channel, time and how to watch Champions League fixture online and on TV
Is Copenhagen v Man Utd on TV? Channel, time and how to watch Champions League fixture online and on TV
Manchester United take on Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday as they bid to finish in the qualifying places of Group A. Erik ten Hag’s side sit third in the group, six points behind Bayern Munich in top spot, and one point behind second-placed Galatasaray. United were able to end a poor run of form with a fortunate 1-0 over Fulham on Saturday, although it had looked for most of the game like they might be about to lose out again. Wednesday will offer another chance for Ten Hag to restore some pride to the club who go into the match eighth in the Premier League table and with pressure building on the manager, especially following last week’s 3-0 home defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. Here’s everything you need to know about the match and get the latest tips and odds for the game here. When is it? Manchester United take on FC Copenhagen in the Uefa Champions League on Wednesday 8 November at 8pm GMT at the Parken Stadium. How can I watch it? The match will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 with coverage starting at 7pm GMT, TNT Sports can be streamed via the Discovery+ app. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Team news Manchester United have had a host of injury issues so far this season, and the club are likely to continue to be without Casemiro for the match, but Marcus Rashford could be included in the squad after only being ruled out of the Fulham game by a late fitness test. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo are all on the long-term injury list however and will not be included. Predicted line up Manchester United XI: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Evans, Dalot, McTominay, Eriksen, Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund Odds Copenhagen 11/4 Draw 21/10 Manchester United 8/11 Full odds here Prediction Despite United’s recent form, it is still hard to look past them against the team bottom of Group A. Copenhagen 1-2 Manchester United. Read More Manchester United’s latest moment of inspiration covers up the same old problem Marcus Rashford faces disciplinary action after ‘unacceptable’ partying The Fulham star set to show Man United the midfield move they should have made Dortmund won the battle but are losing the war for the future of football John Stones injury leaves Manchester City ‘in trouble’, says Pep Guardiola Newcastle discover brutal truth – it’s so much harder in the Champions League
2023-11-08 22:08
DeSantis becomes first major party candidate to enter South Carolina's 2024 presidential primary
DeSantis becomes first major party candidate to enter South Carolina's 2024 presidential primary
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis filed paperwork on Tuesday for South Carolina’s 2024 presidential primary
2023-07-18 20:19
Greek floods: PM Mitsotakis warns of very unequal battle with nature
Greek floods: PM Mitsotakis warns of very unequal battle with nature
Rescuers try to reach hundreds of people trapped by floods in Greece where seven people have died.
2023-09-08 23:16
Judge hands down 27-month sentence in attack on congresswoman in Washington apartment building
Judge hands down 27-month sentence in attack on congresswoman in Washington apartment building
A man who pleaded guilty to assaulting Democratic Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota in the elevator of her Washington apartment has been sentenced to more than two years behind bars
2023-11-17 02:21
Oil Demand to Rise More Than Expected on China, IEA Says
Oil Demand to Rise More Than Expected on China, IEA Says
Global oil demand will climb more strongly than previously estimated this year as a post-pandemic rebound in China
2023-05-16 19:43
The best laptops to buy in 2023
The best laptops to buy in 2023
UPDATE: Aug. 8, 2023, 5:00 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with new picks
2023-08-08 17:00
Arsenal transfer rumours: Partey chooses new club; Gunners out of the race for £80m midfielder
Arsenal transfer rumours: Partey chooses new club; Gunners out of the race for £80m midfielder
The latest Arsenal transfer rumours - including Thomas Partey's potential new club & Moises Caicedo update.
2023-06-23 04:45
Biden tries to bolster his climate credentials as activists push for more urgency
Biden tries to bolster his climate credentials as activists push for more urgency
President Joe Biden is traveling west this week on a mission to ramp up excitement for an agenda that -- so far -- is yielding little political upside.
2023-08-09 19:10
Carlo Ancelotti discusses Harry Kane transfer links
Carlo Ancelotti discusses Harry Kane transfer links
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been asked about the club's interest in Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane. The striker has one year left to run on his contract at Spurs and has been heavily linked with a move away.
2023-06-03 19:35
Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless Review
Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless Review
The Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless ($129.99) is a gaming mouse focused on the needs of
2023-09-24 00:00