Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has admitted that James McClean playing for Wrexham in the fourth division of English football is not 'ideal' for future Ireland squads.
McCleans made the move to Wales from Wigan Athletic this year, and speculation around McClean's Ireland future emerged soon after.
Not only is McClean 34-years-old, he is also playing in a league that falls below the standard of the other other leagues in England. Many people feel that is the beginning of the end for McClean's time in an Irish jersey.
Kenny has announced his Ireland team for the Euro 2024 qualifier double header against France and the Netherland's next month. McClean who won his 100th cap this year was also included in the squad for the double header.
When asked if McClean's move to Wrexham would be a problem, Kenny said he spoke to the Derry native about his predicament at Wigan and admitted that it won't be a problem for this international window at least
"In the long-term it's not ideal. He spoke to me about his club situation," he told FAITV. "He was in a predicament and needed to move and this is what he had accepted. Ultimately he got 'Man of the Match' against Gibraltar in June. He had performed well in the last window and if he was going to be playing three or four games in League One or Two, I didn't think there would be a big difference in the short term for this window.
"Subsequently he has been injured and played the other night.We have named three wingbacks in the squad so we will see."
Kenny was also asked about his counterpart Vera Pauw's departure from her role as the manager of the Ireland Women's team this week.
On Tuesday, Pauw was relieved of her duties with Ireland following an FAI board meeting. After extensive deliberations and discussions about the team's World Cup qualification campaign and the tournament itself, Pauw, who guided Ireland to their first Women's World Cup, was informed by FAI CEO Johnathan Hill that she would no longer be the Ireland boss.
In the lead-up to the World Cup, Ireland encountered a multitude of problems, and the ongoing saga involving Katie McCabe seemed to be the final straw.
A rife of speculation arose in the media that player power was at the center of Pauw's departure.
Kenny was asked for his opinion on the situation and added, "Listen Vera's legacy will always be that Ireland qualified for a World Cup. It was a great achievement and she did a terrific job as Ireland manager in her time. I had a good relationship with her. I spoke to her after she came back from Australia and actually she rang me this morning. It obviously wasn't the ending that she wanted, but she can be very proud of her achievements as manager of the women's team and she did a terrific job.
Republic of Ireland Squad - France/NetherlandsGoalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (Stoke City, on loan from AFC Bournemouth). Defenders: Matt Doherty* (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Festy Ebosele (Udinese), Enda Stevens (Stoke City), Ryan Manning (Southampton), James McClean (Wrexham), Shane Duffy (Norwich City), John Egan (Sheffield United), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Burnley), Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough)Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen).Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Will Keane (Preston North End), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Aaron Connolly (Hull City), Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town).*Suspended for the France fixtureUEFA EURO 2024 Qualifying - Fixtures07/09 - France v Republic of Ireland, Parc des Princes, 7.45pm (8.45pm local time)10/09 - Republic of Ireland v Netherlands, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
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