Wrexham star James McClean denounces ‘disrespect’ from ‘idiots’ of his call for Ireland in social media tirade – insisting League Two is a better standard than the Irish League
- James McClean hits back at claims he cannot play for Ireland in League Two
- The Wrexham winger insists the league is on a better level than the League of Ireland
- McClean has been included in Stephen Kenny’s squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers
James McClean has hit back at criticism of his call-up from the Republic of Ireland despite now playing for League Two Wrexham.
The winger has earned 100 caps for his country since his debut in 2012 and was part of Stephen Kenny’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and the Netherlands.
However, there are some questions about McClean’s inclusion now that he’s playing in England’s fourth tier.
With manager Kelly even admitting it’s ‘not ideal’ for the 34-year-old to play at that level for Wrexham.
Still, McClean has taken to social media to dismiss claims the league is below par and insists it is a better standard than the League of Ireland and Scotland’s top two clubs.
James McClean has slammed fans who think he can’t play for Ireland as he played football in League Two with Wrexham
Stephen Kenny has admitted it’s not ideal for McClean to make the move to League Two
The message McClean posted on his social media feed decrying the criticism of League Two
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McClean said: “The disrespect shown by people who have done very little in the game or have never kicked a ball in their lives probably can’t tell you if a ball is inflated or filled just because you a good game talks or writes a good game does not change the above.
“League Two this and League Two that talk, when we judge the league. Listen to the same idiots swooping in and calling on League of Ireland players to join the squad and start.
“I respect the LOI it’s gotten me, but don’t tell me it’s a better standard. Outside of the two best clubs in Scotland, that is no better standard either. I’ll argue all day that if this offends anyone, it’s a good thing it was meant to be.’
Kenny’s latest squad does not feature players from the League of Ireland, with the majority of the squad being Premier League and Championship players.
The only exceptions are Festy Ebosele, the unlimited defender of Udinese, and Jamie McGrath, who plays for Aberdeen.
McClean has won 100 caps for his country since debuting for the Republic of Ireland
Making McClean the only player in the squad to play in a league outside of a country’s two top divisions.
Last season, the veteran winger played his club football in the Championship with Wigan Athletic, appearing in every league game for the Latics.
But following their relegation at the end of the season, he signed for Wrexham, following their high-profile promotion to League Two under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.