'I'm just glad that it's all over and done with now' - James McClean is relieved to put Twitter controversy behind him

Sep 12, 2012 12:00:00 AM

The Sunderland wide man is keen to put his recent Twitter controversy behind him after appearing as a substitute in Ireland's 4-1 win over Oman

Sunderland winger James McClean is eager to put his recent Twitter controversy behind him after making a substitute appearance for Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland in the 4-1 friendly win over Oman on Tuesday, September 11.

The 23-year-old was landed in hot water in the aftermath of Ireland's narrow World Cup qualifier victory over Kazakhstan on Friday when he tweeted a foul-mouth tirade regarding the team's performance, but has said that appearing against Oman grants the issue closure.

"I'm delighted to get on the pitch considering what has happened on this trip," McClean said after the game. "I'm just glad that it's all over and done with now. It was nice to get on.

He continued: "I'm able to laugh about it now and we're able to joke about it, so it has helped integrate me I suppose. As I said, it was idiotic and it is over and done with now. I've learned from it.

"It's the greatest honour to play for your country and that's where my frustration came from. It was frustrating. It was stupid, but I'm human," he added.

Giovanni Trapattoni handed debuts to Manchester United winger Robbie Brady as well as McClean's Sunderland team-mate David Meyler and the former Derry City striker suggested that Ireland's future was in good hands.

"Robbie Brady is a great lad and it's not bad to get a goal and assist on your debut. I'm glad David [Meyler] and Seamus [Coleman] got a game too. The future looks good," concluded the winger.

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