Wikipedia

James McClean

For people of a similar name, seeJames McLean.

James Joseph McClean(/məˈkleɪn/mə-KLAYN;born 22 April 1989) is an Irish professionalfootballerwho plays as awingerforEFL League OneclubWrexham.

James McClean
McClean with theRepublic of Irelandin 2013
Personal information
Full name James Joseph McClean[1]
Date of birth (1989-04-22)22 April 1989(age 35)[2]
Place of birth Derry,Northern Ireland
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[3][4]
Position(s) Winger
Team information
Current team
 Wrexham
Number 7
Youth career
Trojans
Institute
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2007–2008 Institute 1 (0)
2008–2011 Derry City 79 (16)
2011–2013 Sunderland 59 (7)
2013–2015 Wigan Athletic 73 (9)
2015–2018 West Bromwich Albion 99 (4)
2018–2021 Stoke City 102 (12)
2021–2023 Wigan Athletic 79 (12)
2023– Wrexham 53 (5)
International career‡
2008–2009 Northern Ireland U21 7 (0)
2012–2023 Republic of Ireland 103 (11)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 18:11, 23 November 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22:26, 21 November 2023 (UTC)

McClean began his career withTrojans,Institute,andDerry Cityof his hometown. He signed forSunderlandin England'sPremier Leaguein 2011 and moved toWigan Athleticin August 2013. He spent two seasons at Wigan, claiming their player of the year award in the latter, and then returned to the Premier League by joiningWest Bromwich Albionin June 2015. McClean spent three season with the Baggies before joiningStoke Cityin July 2018. McClean re-signed for Wigan Athletic in August 2021 and joined Wrexham two years later.

McClean was born and brought up inDerryand played for theNorthern Ireland national under-21 football team,but declined a call-up to the senior squad because he wanted to play for theRepublic of Ireland.In February 2012, McClean received international clearance fromFIFAwhich made him eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland, making his debut against theCzech Republicin the same month. He made103 appearancesfor the nation over the next 11 years, and represented them at theUEFA European Championshipin2012and2016.

Early life

McClean grew up in theCregganarea ofDerryand attended Holy Family Primary School and St. Peter's High School.[5][6]He playedGaelic footballwithSeán Dolans GACbefore concentrating on association football.[7]

Club career

Institute

McClean began his career atInstitute,making one first team appearance as a substitute againstGlentoranin the2007–08 Irish Premier Leagueseason. Institute decided not to renew his contract in the summer of 2008.[8]

Derry City

McClean made hisDerry Cityfirst team debut on 1 July 2008 in aLeague Cuptie at home toBohemians,opening the scoring in a 4–1 win.[9]He made hisLeague of Irelanddebut forDerry Cityas a substitute forKevin McHughplaying againstCork CityatTurner's Crosson 8 September 2008.[10]In his first full season with Derry in the2009 seasonthe club suffered serious financial problems and the players went weeks without payment. During this period in November 2009 McClean held talks with EnglishLeague TwosideLincoln City,but this did not result in a contract, after McClean felthomesick.[11][12]Derry finished the season in 4th place but were expelled by the FAI due to breaking regulations by holding secondary, unofficial contracts with players.[13]They were invited to join theLeague of Ireland First Division.[14]

In December 2009 McClean was one of the first four players to sign for the newDerry City,along withDavid McDaid,and the McEleney brothers —ShaneandPatrick.[15]McClean scored eight goals in 33 appearances in the2010 seasonhelping Derry return to the top-flight.[16]McClean began to attract more interest from English clubs in the2011 seasonwithPeterborough Unitedmaking some unsuccessful bids.[17]He also attracted interest fromEverton.[18]In August 2011 Derry accepted an offer fromSunderlandfor McClean.[19]

Sunderland

McClean warming up for Sunderland in August 2012.

McClean joinedSunderlandon 9 August 2011 for a fee of £350,000, signing a three-year contract.[20]Upon signing McClean, managerSteve Bruceindicated that he was "one for the future",[21]and also hinted that he would be in the reserve team until Christmas.[22]His form in the development squad was capped by a reserve-debut goal in a 4–3 win overTyne–Wear derbyrivalsNewcastle United,earning him a place on the Sunderland bench.[23]Despite never making an appearance under Bruce, he made his debut for the first team inMartin O'Neill's first game in charge on 11 December, a 2–1 win overBlackburn Roversand was credited for the comeback which saw his side overturn a 1–0 deficit, after coming on as a substitute forJack Colbackin the second half.[24]

McClean made his first start for Sunderland in their 1–0 victory overManchester Cityon 1 January 2012, and scored his first senior goal for the Black Cats in a 4–1 win againstWigan Athletictwo days later;[25]on 8 January, he scored and assistedSebastian Larssonin a 2–0 win atPeterborough Unitedin the third round of theFA Cup.[26]McClean provided the assist forStéphane Sessègnon's opening goal in Sunderland's 2–0 victory overSwansea Cityon 21 January, and got another assist in the equalising goal forFraizer Campbellin the next round of the cup againstMiddlesbroughon 29 January. Ahead of the replay for that fixture, Middlesbrough managerTony Mowbrayused McClean as an example for young players to follow.[27]McClean turned provider again in Sunderland's 3–0 victory overNorwich City,assisting Sessègnon's goal, then scored the only goal in a win overStoke Cityon 4 February in snowy conditions at theBritannia Stadium.[28]A week later, he opened the scoring in Sunderland's 2–1 home loss toArsenalafterPer Mertesackerinjured himself.[29]On 23 March, Sunderland announced that McClean had signed a new contract intended to force him to stay at the club until the summer of 2015.[30]A day later, he helped them to a 3–1 victory over relegation-threatenedQueens Park Rangersby assisting the opening goal forNicklas Bendtnerand later scoring by himself. McClean won Sunderland's Young Player of the Year Award, at the end of the 2011–12 season.[31]

In August 2012, McClean scored his first two goals of the2012–13in thesecond roundof theLeague CupagainstMorecambe.He also scored in the third round as well, scoring in the 82nd minute away atMilton Keynes Dons.He scored his first Premier League goal of the season in a 3–0 home defeat ofReadingon 11 December, exactly twelve months to the day that he made his Sunderland debut.[32]McClean fell out of favour with the Sunderland supporters after he refused to wear a poppy in the run-up toRemembrance Day,which led to his departure in August 2013. Speaking in 2015 McClean says he was 'hung out to dry' by Sunderland.[33]

Wigan Athletic

McClean signed forChampionshipclubWigan Athleticon a three-year contract on 8 August 2013.[34][35]Three days later he made his debut in the2013 FA Community ShieldatWembley Stadium,starting in a 2–0 loss toManchester United.[36]

He scored his first goal for Wigan on 26 January 2014 in the FA Cup fourth round, a winner in a 2–1 victory againstCrystal Palace.[37]He had scored on 18 December againstSheffield Wednesday,but that match was abandoned in heavy rain and his goal was struck from the records; it was the only goal of the game by the 59th minute in which it was called off.[38]McClean played in 49 matches in2013–14,scoring four goals as Wigan reached the Championship play-offs where they lost 2–1 toQueens Park Rangers.[39]In2014–15,Wigan finished in 23rd place and were relegated toLeague One.[40]

West Bromwich Albion

McClean(left)playing forWest Bromwich Albion,2017

Turning down a move toNew York Red Bulls,[41]on 22 June 2015 McClean signed forWest Bromwich Albionon a three-year deal for a fee believed to be around £1.5 million.[42]In July, on the team's tour of the United States, he turned his back on theFlag of Englandwhile the British national anthem "God Save the Queen"was played before a match against theCharleston Battery,which resulted in a verbal warning from managerTony Pulis.[43]

He made his competitive debut on 10 August as West Brom began the season againstManchester CityatThe Hawthorns.[44]Booed by his team's own fans whenever he touched the ball, he was replaced byClaudio Yacobat half-time, as his team lost 3–0.[45]On 17 October, after a 1–0 home win over his former team Sunderland, he taunted the visiting fans, leading to confrontations between both sets of players; he was given a warning by the FA over his conduct.[46]He scored his first goal for the Baggies on 5 December, a 39th-minute headed equaliser in a 1–1 home draw againstTottenham Hotspur.[47]Two weeks later, he was sent off in the first half of a 2–1 home loss toBournemouthfor a challenge onAdam Smith;teammateSalomón Rondónwas also dismissed in added time.[48]He played in 42 matches in2015–16as West Brom finished in 14th position.[49]

He scored his first goal of the2016–17 seasonin theEFL CupagainstNorthampton Town.[50]His first league goal of the season came in a 4–2 win overWest Ham Unitedon 17 September 2016.[51]He was given an improved contract extension until 2019, with the option of a further year. Tony Pulis said: "James thoroughly deserves this and has worked hard to achieve it."[52]He angeredWatfordcaptainTroy Deeneywith his tackling in a 3–1 win on 3 December 2016.[53]He played 42 times as the Baggies finished in 10th.[54]The2017–18 seasonwas an unsettled one for West Brom as they went through four managersTony Pulis,Gary Megson,Alan PardewandDarren Moore.[55]Albion were rock bottom of the Premier League nearly all season and despite a late resurgence they were relegated to the Championship.[56]

Stoke City

McClean joinedStoke Cityin July 2018 on a four-year contract for a fee of £5 million.[57]McClean made his Stoke debut on 5 August 2018 againstLeeds United.[58]He scored his first goal for Stoke on 25 August 2018 in a 2–0 win againstHull City.[59]In September 2018 McClean suffered a broken arm whilst on international duty with Ireland.[60]McClean played 45 times in2018–19,scoring three goals as Stoke finished in 16th place.[61]McClean began the2019–20 seasonplaying as a makeshift left-back asNathan Jonesattempted to implement his preferred diamond formation.[62]It did not work as Stoke had a poor start to the season, failing to win any of their first ten matches and Jones was replaced byMichael O'Neillin November who played McClean in his natural left-wing position.[63]McClean became a key player under O'Neill and his form helped the team pick up results to move out of the relegation zone.[64]He ended the campaign with seven goals from 37 appearances as Stoke avoided relegation and finished in 15th position.[65]Following the end of the season he was votedPlayer of the Yearby supporters.[66]

In March 2020, McClean uploaded anInstagrampost in which he said he was giving his children a history lesson, while wearing abalaclava,which some viewers believed to be in reference to theIrish Republican Army(IRA). McClean was fined two weeks' wages by Stoke, apologised, and agreed to delete his account.[67]McClean said in 2023 that he regretted the upload.[68]

In the2020–21season, McClean made 29 appearances, scoring two goals as Stoke finished in 14th position.[69][70]During the season McClean had disciplinary problems as he breached COVID-19 protocols by going to a gym during lockdown.[71]He also angered O'Neill in March 2021 after he played for Ireland despite recovering from a foot injury.[72]

Return to Wigan Athletic

On 17 August 2021 McClean re-joinedWigan Athleticon a one-year contract.[73]McClean claimed he turned downBolton Wanderersin order to sign for Wigan. However, Bolton ManagerIan Evattstated this was false; Bolton had no interest in signing McClean, and McClean's agent had rung daily for three weeks begging Bolton to give him a contract.[74]On 16 October he scored twice in a 4–0 win against Bolton with the match nearly being abandoned after he scored when Bolton fans threw bottles and other objects at him, followed by Wigan fans ripping down advertising boards, the match stopping for more than 10 minutes as police dealt with the situation.[75][76]Having been promoted as Champions,[77]McClean signed a new one-year contract extension at the end of the2021–22 season.[78]His first goal of the new season came on 6 August 2022, in a 1–1 draw away toNorwich CityatCarrow Road.[79]

Wrexham

On 4 August 2023, it was announced that McClean had signed forEFL League TwosideWrexhamfor an undisclosed fee.[80]McClean's first season with the club saw him make 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring 3 goals as his side were promoted toEFL League Onefollowing their second placed season.[81]He signed a new contract with Wrexham to the end of the 2025–26 season.[82]

McClean was named club captain for Wrexham for the 2024–25 season.[83]

International career

McClean had represented Northern Ireland at a number of junior levels, but ultimately opted to represent the Republic of Ireland at senior level.[84][85][86]

Northern Ireland

McClean was part of the Northern Ireland team that won the 2008Milk Cupand scored in the opening game in a 3–1 win against the US.[87]He has also represented Northern Ireland seven times at Under 21 level. On 26 July 2011 he was called up to theNorthern Irelandsenior squad for the match against theFaroe Islandson 10 August 2011.[88]McClean decided to wait for selection by theRepublic of Irelandand therefore pulled out of the Northern Ireland squad.[89]In January 2012 he again confirmed he would not be reconsidering his decision although Northern Ireland managerMichael O'Neillhad been in contact with him.[90]

Republic of Ireland

McClean warming up for the Republic of Ireland, September 2013.

McClean's success in the Premier League saw increasing calls forGiovanni Trapattonito select him for the Republic of Ireland, with Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill saying after McClean's winning goal at Stoke: "I think he's more than capable of going toEuro 2012... Hopefully he's making such an impact he'll be watched by someone in the Ireland camp, even if it's not Trapattoni. They couldn't fail to be impressed. "[91]McClean received international clearance to play for the Republic of Ireland on 9 February.[92]However, he was not included in the squad for the match against theCzech Republicwhich was announced the next day,[93]though he was added to the squad on 20 February after success againstArsenalin the FA Cup fifth round proper.[94][95]

McClean made his international debut on 29 February 2012, coming on in the 78th minute forAiden McGeadyin a friendly against theCzech Republicat the Aviva Stadium.[96]On 7 May 2012, managerGiovanni Trapattoniconfirmed that McClean was part of the IrishUEFA Euro 2012squad.[97][98]He then received sectarian abuse and death threats via Twitter.[99]McClean was quoted saying, "You are looking around as a Catholic and seeing all the Union Jacks and listening to the fans' songs and I just didn't feel at home at all."[99]On 26 May 2012, McClean made his first senior international start againstBosnia and Herzegovinain the final home friendly ahead of UEFA Euro 2012, playing on the left flank.[100]

AtUEFA Euro 2012Poland, McClean was left on the bench for the first game, a 3–1 defeat toCroatia.[101]Ireland manager Trapattoni hinted that McClean would not feature in the next game against world and European championsSpain.After much public urging for him to make use of McClean's talents to recover Ireland's progress in the European Championship, Trapattoni claimed that "His time would come in the future".[101]McClean appeared as a substitute against Spain, coming on in the 76th minute inGdańsk.[102]

After being left on the bench during Ireland's 2–1 victory over Kazakhstan in a World Cup 2014 qualifier on 7 September 2012, McClean used Twitter to criticise Trapattoni.[103]The tweet, and McClean's account, were subsequently deleted and the winger was forced to apologise to teammates.[104]

On 11 June 2014, McClean scored his first international goal in the 5–1 defeat byPortugalin theMetLife Stadiumduring Ireland's US tour.[105]He made his first appearance of theUEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaignon 11 October againstGibraltar,scoring a brace in a 7–0 win in theAviva Stadium.[106]

McClean scored his first ever professional penalty on 29 March 2016, helping Ireland to a 2–2 draw in a friendly againstSlovakia.[107]On 9 October 2017, he scored the only goal of a win away toWalesat theCardiff City Stadiumin2018 FIFA World Cup qualification,putting the Irish into the playoffs.[108]

On 16 November 2020, theFootball Association of Irelandannounced that McClean had tested positive forCOVID-19after playing a full game againstWalesat theCardiff City Stadium.[109]The announcement also includedMatt Doherty's positive result.[110]

On 14 June 2022, on his 94th cap for Ireland, he captained his country for the first time, in a 1–1 draw withUkrainein aUEFA Nations Leaguegame at theLKS Stadiumin Poland.[111]On 19 June 2023, McClean became the 7th Irish player to make 100 international appearances in a 3–0 home win againstGibraltarin theEuro 2024 qualification.[112]

In October 2023, McClean announced he would retire from the national team following the match againstNew Zealandon 21 November.[113]

Personal life

McClean began a relationship with Erin Connor in 2010. They married in 2016, in their hometown ofDerry.[114]As of February 2023, they have three daughters and a son.[115]One of McClean's daughters hasautismand McClean revealed in a social media post that he had also been diagnosed with autism.[116]He highlighted in his statement that he went public with the diagnosis in order to support his daughter during World Autism Acceptance Week.[117]

In 2013, McClean, then of Sunderland, attracted criticism when he wrote a tweet naming "The Broad Black Brimmer"as his favorite song byThe Wolfe Tones.The song is associated withphysical force Irish republicanism.As a result of his tweet, his club manager,Martin O'Neill,advised him to stop using Twitter.[118]

Since his move to English football in 2012, McClean and his family have received anti-Irish abuse, both in person and on social media.[119][120]

Remembrance poppy controversy

Since his Premier League breakthrough in 2012, McClean has been both condemned and supported for his ongoing refusal to wear football shirts bearing the symbol of theremembrance poppywhen playing games on or aroundRemembrance Day(11 November) orRemembrance Sunday(the nearest Sunday), leading to his being named by the BBC in 2015 as the main example for one of the "Five reasons people don't wear poppies".[121]The special shirts, usually auctioned, are part of the annualPoppy Appealorganised by theRoyal British Legion,with all Premier League club shirts displaying poppies in various forms since 2010.[122]

McClean states his objection derives from his affinity withDerryand to the role of the British Army inThe Troubles.He grew up on theCreggan estate,where six of the men shot dead onBloody Sundayin 1972 came from. He stated he would wear the poppy if it were restricted to honouring only soldiers who died in the World Wars, many of whom, particularly duringWorld War I,were Irish, and has insisted his position is one of peace, and not any kind of wider political, religious or anti-British point.[123]The Legion opposes compelling people to wear the poppy, seeing such a stance as going against everything the poppy symbolises.[121]

For his stances, McClean has been booed by supporters of opposition clubs as well as some of his own club's supporters.[124]After the first refusal, McClean was subjected to sectarian abuse andloyalistthreats,[125][126][127]includingdeath threats.[128][129][130][131]

Various players, such asDavid MeylerandJamie Devitt(both Irish citizens)[132]and managers (including Trapattoni), have voiced support for his decision as a personal issue of conscience.[133][134][135]The first instance occurred on 10 November 2012, with McClean wearing a plain Sunderland shirt during their match againstEverton.[136]McClean donated his unadorned shirt, signed, to a charity auction in aid of a Dublin-based children's charity.[137][138]

Philanthropy

McClean has made a number of charitable donations. He made a significant donation to homeless people at the Wells and Foyle Valley House in Derry.[139]He donated £1,500 for a custom hand cycle bike to help a child who hadSpina Bifida.[140]He made another significant donation to the Wells facility in the Bogside, for up to 24 men who have alcohol problems.[141]He paid £1,750 for a new mobile home after hearing about a pregnant homeless woman's struggles on social media.[142]He donated £1,000 to help pay for specialist proton therapy in Florida for a four-year-old child with cancer.[143]He donated €1,200 to help pay for the funeral of a two-year-old boy who was struck by a car.[144]In December 2016 he set up a new clothing line with proceeds going to help homeless residents of his native Derry.[145]He donated £500 to an online fund set up to support the family of a missing Derry man.[146]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 23 November 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Institute 2007–08[8] Irish Premier League 1 0 0 0 0 0 — 1 0
Derry City 2008[147] LOI Premier Division 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 1
2009[147] LOI Premier Division 27 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 30 1
2010[147] LOI First Division 30 8 2 0 1 0 — 33 8
2011[147] LOI Premier Division 21 7 1 0 1 1 — 23 8
Total 79 16 5 0 4 2 0 0 88 18
Sunderland 2011–12[148] Premier League 23 5 6 1 0 0 — 29 6
2012–13[149] Premier League 36 2 2 0 3 3 — 41 5
Total 59 7 8 1 3 3 — 70 11
Wigan Athletic 2013–14[150] Championship 37 3 5 1 0 0 7[c] 0 49 4
2014–15[151] Championship 36 6 1 0 0 0 — 37 6
Total 73 9 6 1 0 0 7 0 86 10
West Bromwich Albion 2015–16[49] Premier League 35 2 5 0 2 0 — 42 2
2016–17[54] Premier League 34 1 1 0 1 1 — 36 2
2017–18[152] Premier League 30 1 2 0 2 0 — 34 1
Total 99 4 8 0 5 1 — 112 5
Stoke City 2018–19[61] Championship 42 3 2 0 1 0 — 45 3
2019–20[153] Championship 36 7 0 0 1 0 — 37 7
2020–21[69] Championship 24 2 1 0 4 0 — 29 2
Total 102 12 3 0 6 0 — 111 12
Wigan Athletic 2021–22[154] League One 33 9 2 0 1 0 1[d] 1 37 10
2022–23[155] Championship 46 3 2 0 0 0 — 48 3
Total 79 12 4 0 1 0 1 1 85 13
Wrexham 2023–24[156] League Two 37 3 4 0 1 0 2[d] 1 44 4
2024–25[156] League One 16 2 1 0 1 0 1[d] 0 19 2
Total 53 5 5 0 2 0 3 1 63 6
Career total 545 65 37 2 21 6 11 2 616 75
  1. ^IncludesIrish Cup,FAI Cup,FA Cup
  2. ^IncludesNorthern Ireland Football League Cup,League of Ireland Cup,EFL Cup
  3. ^Five appearances inUEFA Europa League,one inFA Community Shield,one inChampionshipplay-offs
  4. ^abcAppearances inEFL Trophy

International

As of match played 21 November 2023[157]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Republic of Ireland 2012 6 0
2013 12 0
2014 9 4
2015 7 0
2016 13 4
2017 10 2
2018 6 0
2019 9 0
2020 5 0
2021 11 1
2022 8 0
2023 7 0
Total 103 11
Scores and results list Republic of Ireland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each McClean goal.
List of international goals scored by James McClean[158]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 10 June 2014 MetLife Stadium,East Rutherford,United States Portugal 1–3 1–5 Friendly
2 11 October 2014 Aviva Stadium,Dublin,Republic of Ireland Gibraltar 4–0 7–0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification
3 6–0
4 18 November 2014 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland United States 3–1 4–1 Friendly
5 29 March 2016 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland Slovakia 2–1 2–2 Friendly
6 9 October 2016 Zimbru Stadium,Chișinău,Moldova Moldova 2–1 3–1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
7 3–1
8 12 November 2016 Ernst-Happel-Stadion,Vienna,Austria Austria 1–0 1–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
9 4 June 2017 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland Uruguay 3–1 3–1 Friendly
10 9 October 2017 Cardiff City Stadium,Cardiff,Wales Wales 1–0 1–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
11 30 March 2021 Nagyerdei Stadion,Debrecen,Hungary Qatar 1–0 1–1 Friendly

Honours

Derry City

Wigan Athletic

Wrexham

Individual

See also

References

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  85. ^McKinley, Stuart (10 February 2012)."'Colin Murray, get it right' – James McClean reveals why he turned down Northern Ireland ".The Belfast Telegraph.Independent News & Media.Retrieved10 February2012.The strike was one of the highlights of Match of the Day 2's weekend round-up, with the Belfast-born presenter proudly reminding viewers that this was a fellow countryman scoring in the Premier League — not something that happens too often nowadays — as he described McClean as 'Northern Irish'. Not me was McClean's response as he replied via his Twitter account: "Colin Murray get it right will you, it's #irish"
  86. ^Taylor, Louise (17 February 2012)."James McClean sweeps into Martin O'Neill's good books at Sunderland".The Guardian.London.Retrieved17 February2012.When Murray, who is from Belfast, commented that it was good to see a Northern Irishman scoring Sunderland's winner against Stoke, McClean's riposte, via Twitter, was unequivocal: "Colin Murray get it right will you, it's #irish."
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  94. ^"McClean & Green earn call-ups".Sky Sports.
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  96. ^Wright, Rob (29 February 2012)."As it happened: Rep Ireland 1–1 Czech Rep".RTÉ Sport.Raidió Teilifís Éireann. Archived fromthe originalon 2 March 2012.Retrieved29 February2012.
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  98. ^"McCarthy out as McClean makes the plane".RTÉ.7 May 2012.Retrieved7 May2012.
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  113. ^"James McClean set to retire from international football".Football Association of Ireland. 5 October 2023.Retrieved12 October2023.
  114. ^"Meet Erin McClean - James' proud wife and mother of their three children".independent.10 October 2017.Retrieved24 September2022.
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  116. ^Galvin, T. J. (28 March 2023)."James McClean reveals he has been diagnosed with autism".Irish Examiner.Retrieved28 March2023.
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  118. ^"James McClean closes Twitter account after Wolfe Tones song row".BBC News.27 February 2013.Retrieved24 September2022.
  119. ^"McClean opens up on abuse and sends message: 'Educate yourself on why you hate me'".talkSPORT.17 February 2021.Retrieved24 September2022.
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  139. ^"James McClean makes a 'significant' Christmas donation to help homeless in Derry".JOE.co.uk.Retrieved14 February2017.
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  141. ^"Big-hearted James McClean delights residents and staff with a visit to the House in the Wells".Derry Now.Retrieved14 February2017.
  142. ^"James McClean Offers To Buy Caravan For Homeless Pregnant Woman".Extra.ie.29 December 2016.
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