O´Neill impressed with McClean´s potential

Martin O’Neill has praised the impact made by winger James McClean during the early part of his Sunderland career.

McClean cost 350,000 pounds from Derry City in the close season and make his first appearance as a substitute in O’Neill’s first game in charge against Blackburn.

Many credited him as the inspiration for the fightback which saw the Black Cats win 2-1 from a goal down.

O’Neill is assessing his options in the January transfer window, however he has revealed his delight at the way the 22-year-old has taken his chances in the first team.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with him. He has come in and he has been exceptional,” O’Neill said.

“He came on in the game when perhaps maybe we seemed to be chasing lost causes against Blackburn and lit the place up.”

“His emergence has been fantastic.”

Since his breakthrough he has fought his way into O’Neill’s regular line-up, including playing in the win against league leaders Manchester City and the 59-year-old coach was quick to praise his all round contribution.

“He can go for it, but he also works back and he will do defensive jobs for you. He is just learning the game,” he said.

“He has just played two consecutive Premier League games in 48 hours, and I am quite sure that wasn’t something he would have been thinking about maybe four or five weeks ago.”

McClean is delighted with his recent form, thanking O’Neill for being given the chance to live his dream.

“I’m enjoying every minute of it. Now that I’m playing more, I’m enjoying every minute,” he said.

“It’s something I always dreamt of growing up, so I just want to push on now and progress week in, week out.”

“I’m thankful the manager has given me the chance to show what I can do, and it’s up to me to repay the faith he has shown in me.”