James McClean responds to Derry City manager's criticism of Irish international soccer
James McClean has called out Kenny Shiels over recent comments by the Derry City manager about the quality of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland soccer teams.
Shiels has been quoted as saying that the Republic of Ireland squad was "England Reserves" while adding that Northern Ireland was "England's Reserves' Reserves."
"I’ve become frustrated and very disappointed reading some of the silly and stupid comments made by Kenny Shiels in the media," McClean told the Derry Journal.
"What right or what credentials does Kenny Shiels hold to make such ridiculous comments on international football. For me, playing in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in front of thousands of people and wearing that green jersey means so much to me and my team-mates.
"I feel very proud and very fortunate to have been given an opportunity to wear that jersey. I do everything in my power to give 100 per cent when wearing it, so how dare Kenny Shiels make such ridiculous comments when he knows very little about playing international football."
McClean went on to praise Shiels' work at Derry City, who will finish a very creditable third in this year's SSE Aitricity League Premier Division.
