James McClean has opened the door on a return to the Ireland fold, while recalling the "disrespectful" way in which Stephen Kenny handled his move to Wrexham last summer.
McClean's decision to drop down to League Two and join the Hollywood-backed Welsh club was somewhat justified last weekend, as their promotion to League One was confirmed.
However, at the time of the move, McClean got plenty for flak for what was seen as a drop in level, and he has now suggested that Kenny agreed with some of the criticism.
Kenny left McClean out of his squad for a Euro 2024 qualifying double-header against France and the Netherlands, only to draft him in for a substitute appearance against the Dutch.
McClean then announced his international retirement, leading to some fanfare ahead of his 103rd, and supposedly final, appearance in green in a friendly against New Zealand in November.
James McClean recalls "disrespectful" Stephen Kenny conversation
“He couldn’t get off the phone quick enough,” said McClean on telling Kenny about his move to Wrexham.
“That spoke of what he thought about the move. I don’t think he was on board. Ultimately, I would say that was a major factor in my decision to step away from Ireland.
“Sometimes when you make a decision, you are made to walk the plank. I felt that if I don’t walk away now, I may never get the opportunity to say goodbye on my terms.
“I thought it was very disrespectful. I had offers to stay in the Championship but at my age I wanted to do something that would excite and be a challenge.
“Wrexham had a project and it’s a successful one. Nobody forced me to make the move but I’m glad I did and there’s a sense of justification.”
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Sour taste for James McClean
McClean also took issue with not being named captain for that game against New Zealand, as is often the case for a departing player, with fellow Derryman Shane Duffy being handed the armband instead for the 1-1 draw.
While McClean was subbed off to rapturous applause in the 66th minute, the whole affair has left a sour taste.
"To be not given the opportunity of leading the team out and then to be taken off after 66 minutes - not even as a single substitution but as a double substitution - I just thought was poor,” he added.
“It’s a moment you never get back but I wasn’t going to let it ruin the occasion. I’ll be honest, how my Ireland career ended leaves a sour taste in my mouth.”
21 November 2023; James McClean of Republic of Ireland after the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and New Zealand at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Door open for return to international fold
Kenny handed McClean his Derry City debut back in 2008, and it was thought that the two men shared a strong relationship.
However, it now looks like things ended badly, with McClean suggesting that he would be open to a return under the next Ireland manager.
"It’s not something I’ll be campaigning for but if the call ever comes to play for your country, it’s a hard one to turn down,” he said.
“Look, the new manager might go in a different direction and fair play. As it stands, in my mind, I’m retired from international football but it’s a funny game and I’ll never say never.”
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