McClean loving life on Wearside

The trio have been nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year and the Sunderland man, who returns home this weekend, admits he would be just as thrilled if Lafferty picks up the accolade.

“It would be great to win the Young Player of the Year award, but as I’m good friends with Danny I wouldn’t mind seeing him winning the award,” acknowledged McClean.

“Danny has had a great season not just his defending, but he has scored around nine or ten goals this season from left back and his distribution from the back was great all season, so if he wins the award then I’ll be happy for him, because he’ll have deserved it.”

The 22-year-old also concedes that he’s loving life on Wearside since his move from the Brandywell in August.

“I left one great club and have joined another,” admitted the Northern Ireland Under 21 international.

“Everyone from the manager, to the players, coaching staff and supporters have all been brilliant and they help me settle right in and I’m really enjoying it.”

In recent weeks the youngster has been substitute but boss Steve Bruce has resisted the temptation to bring him on, much to McClean’s frustration.

Only last weekend the left-winger was again on the bench, this time at his beloved Manchester United, but surprisingly he wasn’t overawed by the Old Trafford experience.

“I have been on the bench a few times and while that’s great, but I’m like any player, want to play, so hopefully if I do get my chance in the future then it’s up to me to make sure that I do enough to keep my place,” he said.

“It was a great experience to be part of that game, because Sir Alex Ferguson was celebrating managing United for 25 years and as I’m a Man United fan it was good to be there.

“It was also a bit strange because I wasn’t nervous or anything like that, in fact I was probably more nervous sitting on the bench at the Brandywell before I made my Derry City debut.

“Maybe it’s because I’m used to playing football now, I just don’t know, however I do have to admit whenever I was standing in the tunnel alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney, Vidic and Nani it was a bit strange, considering I was playing against the likes of Monaghan United and Salthill Devon just over a year ago.”

“We played well and probably deserved at least a draw, in fact I think with a bit of luck we could have won the game.”

Along with McClean and Lafferty, another Candy Stripes favourite and the league’s top scorer Eamon Zayed is one of six nominees for the PFAI Player of the Year award. While Ger Doherty, Stewart Greacen and Zayed have all been selected for the Premier Division Team of the Year.