But as the under-21s go about their business at Sligo's Showgrounds, McClean will be on duty with the senior side in Hungary as Giovanni Trapattoni's men continue their preparations for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine.

A year ago, 23-year-old McClean was playing his football for Derry City, but after breaking into the Black Cats' first team in December, he has enjoyed an impressive rise.

Egan said: "It gives all the young players hope. When you see what James has done in six months, it just shows that if you get your chance too and you take it, then it could turn out like that.

"He's made the Euros in six months - that's a very hard thing to do - but he's done it and I'm delighted for him.

"A year ago, he came over to us and he was with the reserves and he was doing very well and got his chance, and six months later, he is in the Euros.

"He deserves it. He has been unbelievable in games and he has scored great goals. He's a great lad as well and a good friend of mine, so I'm delighted for him.

"I hope he does well at the Euros."

Egan was already on Sunderland's books when McClean arrived in a bargain £350,000 switch from Derry last summer, and it did not take long for the winger to make an impression.

The Cork-born player said: "After a few games, you could see he had something. He impressed me straight away with his directness and running at players.

"He's a great man to have in your team because he covers every inch of grass on that left-hand side.

"He's a very good player and he has obviously shown that."

Egan had already represented Ireland at under-16, under-17 and under-19 level before he got his chance with Noel King's side, and that has helped him to settle in quickly.

He said: "I know a few of the lads from beforehand and there are a lot of good players in the squad.

"A lot of the lads have played Championship, League One or League Two this season and played 30 or 40 games, so obviously, their experience is vital to the team.

"There are a lot of talented players in the squad and they are a great bunch of lads to be around."

Ireland currently lie in third place in Group 7 with nine points from their four games to date, while leaders Italy's unblemished record has seen them amass 15 points.

However, King's side is now just a single win adrift of second-placed Turkey, the only team to beat them so far, with three games in hand after the Turks lost 1-0 in Hungary on Friday.

Egan said: "If we beat Italy, then we will be right in the hunt for qualification and obviously, that's the main goal.

"But we have to take the Italian game first and kick on from there."

King has drafted Burnley defender Kevin Long into the squad, while Sean Murray of Watford and Aston Villa's Samir Carruthers have also joined up following their involvement with the under-19s.

Italy boss Ciro Ferrara has included Newcastle full-back Davide Santon in his travelling party for the game.