Wrexham star James McClean could be set for shock Republic of Ireland return after 'incredible' season for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's side

Wrexham star James McClean could be set to return to the Republic of Ireland national team after holding talks with interim boss John O'Shea. The former Wigan and Sunderland midfielder retired from international duty last year after winning his 104th cap but has played a key part in Wrexham's promotion-winning campaign this season.

Republic of Ireland interim boss John O'Shea said: "I spoke to James. I know James well from his young Sunderland days, I spoke to him because I know the type of character he would be, desperate to help out if possible. But I spoke to him and was congratulating him with the season he had with Wrexham, but I said look, just go and enjoy your summer.

"If he's obviously showing what he can do later on next season, we can deal with that. But for the summer I said I was largely going to focus on the squad that I have picked for the two games with maybe one or two others as well.

“James will never consider himself officially retired. I'm sure he's so proud to represent Ireland, but for me it wasn't going to be the case that he was going to be involved. He's incredible, the way he looks after himself."

The Republic of Ireland take on Hungary and Portugal over the next week following their failure to qualify for Euro 2024. McClean will not be involved in the squad for these fixtures, but his excellent form with Wrexham that saw him score three times and lay on ten assists in their League Two promotion-winning campaign suggests that O'Shea believes he has a role to play next season.

Wrexham confirmed last month that McClean will remain at the club for their League One tilt next season after a one-year extension in the player's deal was automatically triggered. Ireland, meanwhile, are biding their time when it comes to appointing a permanent manager. Former France international Willy Sagnol has emerged as the favourite to land the post after he leads Georgia at Euro 2024, although O'Shea's performance as interim boss has seen him emerge as a realistic candidate for the post on a permanent basis.