McClean makes dream come true

The Creggan man, who was brought on by boss Martin O’Neill for the final 15 minutes as the Black Cats were trailing and he admits finally making his debut in the Premiership was a dream come true.

“I have been dreaming of this day my whole life and now that I have got the taste of it now, I want more of it,” declared the winger.

“I was delighted to get my debut and the fact the team won made it even better.

“I managed to get a cross in with pretty much my first touch which Seb nearly scored from, so that was good for my confidence.

“It was a great feeling in the changing room, the boys were buzzing and it was great to win the manager’s first game in charge.”

McClean, who signed for Sunderland in the summer has been on the bench a host of times already this season and despite having an impressive debut, the 22-year-old isn’t getting carried away.

The ex-Institute man knows that next Sunday’s clash at White Hart Lane against Premiership challengers Tottenham Hotspur is going to be a tough encounter, however the Republic of Ireland hopeful is already looking forward to coming up against the likes of Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Rafael Van der Vaart.

“I really enjoyed it out there and it just feels good to be involved, but it’s just one game and I have to keep working hard and hopefully get a start.

“It’s up to me to keep my work-rate up and hopefully force myself into the manager’s first eleven.

“I’m back at work on Wednesday morning and I’ll be looking to continue working hard and prepare for the Spurs game next Sunday.

“No matter who I’m playing if it’s Gareth Bale or just one of my mates I’ll always want to try and beat him and against Spurs, if I get a chance, that’s what I’ll try to do.

“I know I still have a lot more to learn and work on as far as my game is concerned, but everyday I’m training with top players so hopefully my game will come on.”

As for McClean’s boss he was also full of praise of his fellow Northern Ireland man and believes he could become a ‘proper player’, after he caught his eye during Thursday night’s Reserves victory over Manchester United.

“I thought he played brilliant in the Reserves against Manchester United and conditions there weren’t very favourable for anyone,” admitted the former Celtic manager.

“He’s a talent, he’s strong, he wants to get at players and he made an immediate impact.

“He came on and lifted the crowd from the first moment and he was brilliant in that 15 minute period, obviously as time progresses I’m hoping he will become a proper player.

“Just at the moment when we all needed a lift on comes young James McClean and his first move, probably the first time the crowd have seen him, he’s so positive and the crowd took to him.”