James McClean happy for Jack Grealish to follow his heart

Republic of Ireland international James McClean appears to be rather cool on the ongoing question of Jack Grealish’s international future with the 26- year-old observing: “If you don’t want to play for a country then you shouldn’t play for them,” when asked about the teenager’s deliberations.

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle, McClean said the matter was entirely one for Grealish himself but didn’t seem inclined to offer any encouragement to the 19-year-old.

“Look,” he said, “I’m sure the lad will make whatever decision he makes. I love playing for my country and all the rest of the lads do who play there. If anyone doesn’t want to play then so be it. Go and play for someone else, that’s my view of it.”

Stephen Hunt had recently suggested that Grealish’s decision to decline an immediate call-up was likely to be poorly received within the squad, potentially making any later integration that little bit more problematic.

The studied indifference of McClean, who encountered significant hostility from some Northern Ireland fans after his decision to declare for the Republic, appears to go some way towards bearing out Hunt’s assertion.

Real ambition

McClean has decisions of his own to make with the player all but certain to leave Wigan following the club’s relegation to League One.

The New York Red Bulls are one of the MLS clubs to have been linked with the player but he insists that nothing has been decided yet and says his real ambition is to get back at some stage to playing in the English top flight.

“I’m fortunate to have quite a number of options but just for me at the minute I’m enjoying my time at home and letting other people take care of that stuff and do their job,” he says.

“I’ve just turned 26 so this next move is going to be the most crucial of my career. There won’t be any rushed decisions.”