Sunderland starlet James McClean to be rewarded for recent form with new contract - report

22-year-old winger is set to triple his wages as Martin O'Neill looks to recognise his emergence as one of the Black Cat's key players this season

14 Feb 2012 10:21:00

More On :  Sunderland, James McClean
EPL - Stoke City vs Sunderland, James McClean
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Sunderland are set to offer James McClean a new contract at the Stadium of Light, after he cemented his place as a key member of the first-team, according to The Mirror.
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McClean has scored three and assisted two in his ten games since breaking into the side when Martin O’Neill took over in December.

The Irish winger is thought to be on just under £4,000 a week at the moment, but could see his basic wage rise to over £10,000 as Sunderland look to commit him to a longer term deal.

O’Neill brought McClean into the first-team set-up upon his arrival at the club and neither man has looked back since.

“Sometimes you look for a dip in players who have just come in, but there is no sign of that with James,” O’Neill said.

“He has been splendid. He works tirelessly for us, taking top quality players on. Where he gets the energy from I do not know.”

McClean was originally bought as a development player, rather than a first-team regular, for around £350,000 from Derry City in the summer.

He made an instant impact though, with an impressive debut and has been in the side ever since.
He managed to score the equaliser on Saturday against Arsenal in a match Sunderland eventually lost to a 90th minute Thierry Henry winner.

McClean has also been backed to win a place in the national squad for the upcoming friendly against the Czech Republic.

He has now declared his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland after previously representing Northern Ireland at youth level.

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