Published Tuesday, 07 February 2012
New Sunderland manager Martin O''Neill has made getting the best out of striker Nicklas Bendtner one of his key priorities. (© UTV)
O'Neill urged Giovanni Trapattoni, the manager of the Republic, not to forget about the 22-year-old Londonderry born winger who has been a massive hit since O'Neill threw him into the limelight before Christmas.
McClean continued his spectacular emergence with a match-winning strike at Stoke on Saturday as speculation mounted that he could be included in Trapattoni's squad for the Republic's friendly against the Czech Republic later this month.
Having seen him handle the switch from Derry City to the Barclays Premier League without batting an eyelid, O'Neill is convinced the youngster has what it will take to make the step into senior international football.
He said: "I don't think he would have a problem with it.
"I can understand Trapattoni being very loyal to a group of players that he's worked with for the last two years and who have seen him through.
"But I think that they would have to have a serious look at James and the form he is showing.
"My own view is that he would be a genuine asset to them, but I do stress it is my own view.
"I am not telling Trapattoni how to conduct his affairs, which he is doing pretty well without my help.
"He has been exceptional for us. He has got into the team, he has held his place on merit and is growing in confidence and it's great to see, it really is.
"What he has done, the level he has been playing at and the consistency he has been showing, has been truly amazing," he said.